Rebels’ Rough Start in 2017 Super Rugby
Melbourne fans face a long and painful 20 weeks, if Thursday night’s Super Rugby opener at AAMI Park is anything to go by. The Rebels had a nightmare against the Blues, not helped by an injury bench that included Sean McMahon, Toby Smith, Marika Koroibete, Sefa Naivalu and James Hanson, plus the loss of outside centre Mitch Inman before kick-off.
After the Blues scored first blood with a penalty by Ihaia West five minutes in, the Rebels started out looking strong with captain Nic Stirzaker’s try in the seventh minute, converted by Jackson Garden-Bachop. However, a heavy hit a few minutes later resulted in Stirzaker failing a concussion test, so his rookie-rich team was without their skipper for the rest of the match. The Rebels also lost winger Jonah Placid to a leg injury in the second half.
Blues’ Seven Tries Prove Too Much
The Blues counter-attack opened the floodgates, and despite another try by Garden-Bachop in the 22nd minute, the Auckland side were 25-15 ahead at half-time. The Rebels scored just one more penalty in the second half, while the Blues ran in four more tries for a total of seven, including a hat-trick from rising teen star Rieko Ioane.
The final score was 56-18 to the Blues. It’s a great result for New Zealand fans, but one that will leave many Australians hoping that defending champs the Hurricanes deliver a monumental drubbing to Japan’s Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday night, if only so the Rebels don’t end up with the first round’s direst points difference.
Some Epic Clashes This Weekend
This weekend still has plenty of action scheduled in eight more Round 1 matches, with a chance for Australian punters to back a local side in the hopes of a better result on Friday night, when the Reds host the Sharks at the Suncorp Stadium.
On Saturday night, the Brumbies against Super Rugby championship record-holders the Crusaders in Christchurch is set to be an intense affair, as is the South African derby at Newlands in Cape Town, with the Stormers hosting Pretoria arch-rivals the Bulls.
More About Cameron Hollands
After working part time in one of Australia’s finest casinos to fund his journalism studies, Cameron Hollands discovered a passion for sports betting. A few years and many successful bets later, he is now putting his considerable experience to good use, and is a regular contributor for australiansportsbetting.net.
Cameron’s expert advice, insight into the sporting world and straightforward reporting style has earned him many fans, and he enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow punters.
You May Also Like:
Jones Says Tackle Height Should Be Lowered
England coach Eddie Jones says the allowable height of tackles should be lowered in youth rugby. This will further lower the risk of brain injuries in the sport, he explained. ….
Rugby Australia Commits To Improved Expenditure For 2027
Rugby Australia has promised that they will by wasting no money in the lead up to the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup. This comes after the country was selected to ….
RFL To Roll Out Risk-Detecting Mouthguards
The Rugby Football League has now approved the use of a special mouthguard capable of detecting the risk of head trauma and/or concussion. The guards will come into play from ….
Brain Injury Still A Risk For Rugby Players
Modern-day rugby players should not consider themselves exempt from the possibility of developing the same neurological disorders as former players of old as a result of injuries to the head ….
Toutai Kefu In Surgery After Home Invasion
Former Wallabies star Toutai Kefu is reportedly undergoing emergency surgery after a stabbing incident in Brisbane. Queensland police have now confirmed the incident, as well as that Kefu has sustained ….