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The Rebels recorded a six-point win over the Western Force in the first round of Super Rugby 2016, taking the lead at the 40 minute mark of the first half.
REPORT: REBELS BEAT FORCE IN PERTH
Two tries from debutant Reece Hodge proved crucial to the result. The Rebels scored three tries to one across the match, but the Force kept themselves in the fight kicking four penalties.
Final score
Western Force 19
Rebels 25
The conference clashes in the 2016 Super Rugby season will be extremely important in vying for a finals berth – and this game is no exception. The Western Force and Melbourne Rebels will face-off at NIB stadium on Saturday night. Join us for live scores and a blog from The Roar will begin at 9:50 pm (AEDT).
The Rebels are the favourites for the game against the boys from the West, but will have their work cut out for them following the withdrawal of captain and scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker, who hasn’t been able to recover from injury in time.
Former All-Black flanker Adam Thomson and Queensland Reds recruit, hooker James Hanson, have forced their way into the Rebels line up for the start of their campaign. Hanson makes up a good front row, accompanying Toby Smith and Laurie Weeks while Thomson will work behind up-and-coming Wallaby Sean McMahon and 24-year-old Jordy Reid.
Even with these additions, the Rebels will be concerned about their from away from home. The Melbourne-based squad have only won seven of their last 40 away games, which is an alarming statistic for a team that are capable of truly competing in Super Rugby this season.
The Force will be without key players themselves, with Ben McCalman missing from the starting line-up as he returns from Japan. New recruits Jono Lance and Ben Tapuai get the start at 10 and 13 respectively, significantly strengthening what was a weak backline in 2015.
It may take time for the Force to get going, following a very disappointing 2015 season finishing last with only three wins. However, one of those wins came in the final round of last year against the Rebels – winning a tight affair 13-11.
On a positive note, the Force made the fewest turnovers (13.1) per game last season over the entire competition, a statistic that would have pleased coach Michael Foley, but things look to be on the up in Perth.
Prediction
The Rebels will still be too strong for the Force, but it may be a closer fixture than people think.
Rebels by 6
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.