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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies Game Report

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels ran off first with the scoreboard lead. They might not have the initial penalty goal attempt going. But at least remained patient going forward. As James Hanson touched the ball down at hooker. Rebels 7-0 Brumbies after 10.

Brumbies on the other hand fired off slow behind the Rebels. Especially when they saw their opponents have the early ball chances. Which ultimately led to them take up the early score. They may have the first touch attempt turned down. But finally bounced back after 17 mins. Due credit to Rory Scott who scored on the openside. As Rebels lost a man in Marika Koroibete via the 10 min yellow card. It is 7-7 apiece now between the two teams.

Rebels have not changed much. When they saw another man to the naughty chair via Trevor Hosea. The defensive structure as always have remained unchanged. But have less chances with the ball going forward. That is where the Brumbies able to execute & got past the home side. Thanks to Caderyn Neville who touched down. It is Rebels 7-14 Brumbies with five to go. Followed by a fantastic intercept from Rob Valetini. Where he helped offloaded to Tom Wright with the finish. And extend the Brumbies lead ahead of half-time by 12 points (7-19).

Rebels made up some lost time when the Brumbies rushed through it. Played on by the referee. Before Cameron Magnay break past the opposition territory. And found team-mate Joe Powell who touched down against his old club. The home side closes in by five points after 43 mins (14-19). Then followed up with a successful penalty goal from Matt Toomua. Now Rebels are just two points behind the Brumbies (17-19) after 49.

But the home side were impatient through their executions. Where the Brumbies cleared out the ball twice. Saw Andy Muirhead ran so fast as a threat to block that kickout. Before it deflected into Bayley Kuenzle who got the job done. And extended the Brumbies lead to nine points (17-26) after 52 mins. Nothing much has changed for a while. Until when the Rebels got the penalty goal right. Thanks to Matt Toomua who helped the home side close down to six points. It is 20-26 after 71.

In the end Rebels unable to stay patient going forward. Despite the late winning penalties. The communication was disjointed. Especially with very little time on the clock. Which led their executions slipped away. As Brumbies defended very well. Made the home side knocked the ball past the 80th minute. And held them off with the narrow win here in Melbourne.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9: Top 3 players from the Western Force v Waratahs

by Sports Benches

Felati Kaitu’u is an all-rounder at hooker for the Force tonight. He is a great contributor on both sides. Such as attack and defense. Where his form so far this Super Rugby AU season was good. It helped him get a Wallabies call up. Due credit from National coach Dave Rennie.

He has a great read who really lifted the Force up early. Thanks to the Tahs slow start via the poor discipline. Not only Felati was the root of his side first touchdown. But also the 2nd TRY capped of by himself. When he and Tom Robertson marked that isolated opposition tackle. This is great teamwork to gather some support. And that is how he got away past through the gate.

It aided the Force to try and hold on top spot as long as possible. They might have copped a few ill-disciplines. Which saw them run inconsistent here & there. But the home side never gave up. And his influence really gave every reason why the Force deserve a Qualifying Final. For now they will watch Melbourne Rebels with interest. Before the ladder is finally determined after Week 10 on April 24.

Richard Kahui

He threw in a great shift for the Force backline on the right wing. Especially having been involved in the attack more earlier on. Such as the physicality that helped eat every inch of the Tahs territory.

This player may be 35 right now. But his vast experience benefits the Force. When the communication is there that aided him to run out via the channels. It goes to show they are unpacking set pieces with the ball on hand. Although Force may have rushed their finishing play at times.

It does not mean that the Force are out of the fight. Having seen the direction from Kahui dictate their strategy. Passed on that passage of play via the other wing flank. And saw another International star in Jordan Olowofela touch down. Which ultimately led to a successful win. When Domingo Miotti executed two brilliant penalty goals. As the Force were blessed to have his word. They need someone who has won a World Cup before ten years ago. It turns out that Kahui is the right man to rise up their revival in 2021.

Izaia Perese

He did very well at outside centre for the Waratahs. Having made a couple of tackle busts through the Force. When they got the ball in hand with patience. Izaia might not have scored any tries at all tonight. But his huge involvement going forward helped them stay in the game.

Especially with communication being the focal point. It allowed him to read where the Force unable to mark. And using that passage of play aided the execution the Tahs need. Such as the short passes with plenty of call ups. So they do not fumble it under his watch. Which is how Jack Maddocks & Alex Newsome got away in the 2nd 40. We do not forget the defensive contributions he made as well.

Like the attacking run Izaia needed help with a couple of support men. Where the Tahs successfully grounded the Force build up play into touch. So much physical pack & pace offered in the midfield. We might not have seen him play a lot this season. Especially after that red card in Week 1 v Reds. But he has some expertise before in Queensland. Both at Union and league level. In which demonstrates versatility via all facets of rugby. He may be disappointed with the close loss. But well done on the hard work made tonight.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Report: Western Force v Waratahs Game Report

by Sports Benches

Western Force flew on the up with the early first TRY. Thanks to the penalty that saw Tom Robertson finish up first at tighthead. While the Waratahs saw Lachie Swinton received that yellow card. As the home side lead 7-0 after four minutes.

They followed up by a three-point penalty goal. Having seen the opposition oversaw their poor start. With the ill-discipline not really lifting up the Waratahs. Eight minutes in & the Force lead 10-0. Before the away team bounced back. When the Force were struggling with their defensive play. And Will Harris able to touch over the touch line. Scoreline is now 10-7 in Perth.

20 minutes in and the Force began to pick up lost penalties as well. It gave the Waratahs some chances with the ball in hand. Where the away team are tied 10-10 apiece. But Western Force bounced back not long later. When Felati Kaitu’u read his way through the Waratahs territory. Before he touched one down and put five points in front after 25 mins (15-10). Followed by a drop goal from Domingo Miotti that puts the Force ahead of HT. The score after 40 mins is 18-10.

Waratahs have closed in on the Western Force. When Izaia Perese made a great line break. Found a great pass through the left-hand side towards Dave Porecki. As Ben Donaldson offloaded his assist to Jack Maddocks for the touch score. 45 mins in and it is a one point buffer. Then the away side get to lead 18-24 for the first time. Courtesy of a great passage of play where Alex Newsome got one away.

While the Force did not get a great head start after the break. Having just lost top spot. But the home side closed the lead down to three points (21-24). Due to the penalty goal from Domingo Miotti. They however have unable to stay patient with the execution. Such as being dragged into touch. As well as the poor communication on the spot. In which turned into lost penalties. Waratahs extend their lead two penalty goals from Ben Donaldson. The score is 21-30 with ten minutes to go.

Force are still not out in contention just yet. They found a way to get past the Waratahs on the far left. When Jordan Olowofela scored a touchdown. And followed up with the successful kick from Domingo Miotti. As Force closed down to the Tahs by two points 28-30. In the end they were able to overcome the opposition poor throw-in. Before Force won the penalty advantage. When that successful kick was enough for them to win. The final score is the Western Force 31-30 Tahs.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Preview: Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Week 9 of Super Rugby AU will only have a Saturday & Sunday Game. There is no Friday night rugby until Round 10. As the Queensland Reds travel to Perth. So they end their regular season undefeated v Western Force. Before the Grand Final.

But this Sunday match up focuses on Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies. So far the away side have one win against them in Week 3. When Brumbies held off by three points at home (27-24). Thanks to a 50 meter penalty kick from Ryan Longeran.

Now the Rebels want revenge this time on home soil. Having won the last two games against them at home only. One in 2020 during Round 6 at a natural ground in Sydney. And another one from Round 4 on March 8 2019 (29-26). Safe to say that they have the home ground advantage. As the Rebels need to win their last two games. In order to finish 3rd & face v Brumbies again in the Qualifying Final.

Melbourne Rebels

Matt Gibbon replaces Cabous Eloff at loosehead prop. Where he joins Pone Faamasulli in his other dial. As James Hanson stays at hooker. Robert Leota & Trevor Hosea remains behind the Rebels front three. Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick in the flanker roles. Before Michael Wells rounds off this forward line.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua in the 9/10 combo. Followed by the two speedsters on the wing. It is Marika Koroibete & Frank Lomani. Campbell Magnay joins Stacey Ili at inside centre. And Tom Pincus at full-back. With Reece Hodge out for 10 weeks due to an MCL knee injury last week.

Subs

Jordan Uelese behind Hanson. So does Cabous Eloff & Cameron Orr in the prop roles. Lucas Sordoni & Ross Haylett-Petty on the backup second row. Isi Naisarani at loose forward. James Tuttle at reserve No.9. With Lewis Holland & Glen Vaihu makes up the Rebels 23 squad as utility back.

ACT Brumbies

Scott Sio displaced James Slipper at loosehead prop. With Allan Alaalatoa remains at tighthead. Alongside Folau Faingaa as the starting hooker. Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville in the second row. Rob Valetini shifted to No.8. As James Tucker & Rory Scott fills in. Both on the respective blindside & openside roles.

Ryan Longeran at scrum-half ahead of Nic White who deserves a rest. While Noah Lolesio remains in No.10. Tom Wright & Andy Muirhead placed on each wing. Bayley Kuenzle & Len Ikitau in the midfield. And Tom Banks at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran at reserve hooker behind Faingaa. James Slipper & Tom Ross in the props. Nick Frost as backup for Swain/Neville. Will Miller back on short-term at loose forward. Nic White at half-back. As Reesjan Pasitoa & Mack Hansen rounds off their 23 man squad.

Final Thoughts

Rebels have a great start with the defensive setup. Where they did win penalties as early as possible. Thanks to the kicking specialist off the boot of Matt Toomua. But just needs to stay patient going forward. It is something that the Rebels struggled last week v Force. As they were unable to unpack their executions. And that ultimately cost them the winning opportunity they badly need.

Brumbies are on the same page too as the Rebels. They also too experienced a brilliant fire off. Such as the early maximum points earned to try and stay ahead. However they do need to bridge that 2nd half consistency. Where they blew some penalties. Before the Reds haunted them with a two-point narrow loss. It is a weakness they must address between now and the Playoffs time. Or else they are forced to settle in 2nd spot.

The tip would go to the Brumbies who will win v Rebels by 13 points. And the home side will have to work harder. Ahead of Round 10 v Waratahs away next weekend.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Preview: Western Force v Waratahs

by Sports Benches

Western Force returned home with their 2nd win of 2021 last week. That was in Melbourne v Rebels by 15-16. Now they need to get past the NSW Waratahs this Saturday. At least not just to show off their true colours. But they can guarantee a chance in the Playoff final v Brumbies.

NSW Waratahs on the other hand may still climb out of nowhere. Despite no wins after six meetings. Thanks to the mathematicial difference to advance in the Playoffs. But chances are it is unlikely for this year. As this away side is doing whatever they can in Perth. Having lost against the Force at home in Week 3.

Western Force

The front three remains unchanged. Tom Robertson & Santiago Medrano in the props. Alongside Felati Kaitu’u as the starting hooker/throw-in in the 2 shirt.

Behind them is Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani. Then Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka in the respective blindside & openside. As Brynard Stander returns at Number 8.

The Argentine pair at 9 & 10 of Tomas Cubelli & Domingo Miotti. Jordan Olowofela & Richard Kahui both on each flank. Followed by Kyle Godwin & Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield. And Jack McGregor rounds off the Force XV.

Subs

Andrew Ready at hooker behind Felati Kaitu’u. Angus Wagner & Greg Holmes in the props. Ryan McCauley in reserve for Thrush/Timani. Fergus Lee-Warner as loose forward. Ian Prior at 2nd choice half-back. Before Grason Makara & Jake Strachan can fill-in in the utility backline.

Waratahs

Nothing changed up front. When you have Angus Bell & Harry-Johnson Holmes in the props. So does Dave Porecki at hooker. In the second row sees Hugh Sinclair & Max Douglas. You got the Bash Brothers of Lachie Swinton & Carlo Tizzano. And Will Harris completes this Waratahs back row.

Jake Gordon is joined by new fly-half in Ben Donaldson. Since Will Harrison is out for six weeks due to injury. James Ramm & Alex Newsome on the wings. Lalakai Foketi & Izaia Perese in the midfield. As Jack Maddocks rounds off at full-back.

Subs

Tom Horton behind Dave Porecki. Tetere Faulkner & Darcy Breen in the props. Sam Caird & Jeremy Williams at reserve second row. Charlie Gamble as back up to Swinton/Tizzano/Harris. Jack Grant at scrum-half. And Tane Edmed remains in the bench at utility back. Despite not been given a chance in the starting five-eighth.

Final Thoughts

Western Force have a great 2nd half momentum. They used some lost time from the previous 40. And took advantage of the opposition mistakes. In which helped them overtake the Rebels. And held them off before the final hooter. One thing they need to work on is the slow starts. That is something the Force need to cut their ill-discipline. As well as fire off early in the attack. If they are to finish 3rd & play in the Qualifying Final v Brumbies.

Waratahs still needs to find a win. The return of Jake Gordon at half-back gave them a lift. And dominated the 2nd half alone. In which helped them stay in contention until the end. Only for the kick to sail out wide that saw the Brumbies relive that pressure. But at the same time you have Will Harrison injured for a few weeks. Then they put an untried fly-half in their starting XV. It will be a gamble for sure. But the Tahs just need to balance on both halves that does guarantee victories.

This will be a close low-scoring game in Perth. But I am going for the Waratahs to finally win here in 2021. And break the Force hearts at home by seven points.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Reds may have fired off from behind. Not only they conceded a few penalties. Their finishing was mislead. Which lead to leaked points for the first 50-60 mins. But they did make some gains from somewhere defensively. It aided them winning penalties. Where they added a couple of safe three-points into the goal.

Before the Reds were finally settled after the break. Credit to James O’Connor who produced a playmaking masterclass. He found a way to crack the Brumbies territory. Unpacking that cross-kick is one of their weapons. That influenced most of their big touch scores. Such as Josh Flook & Jordan Petaia who also learned off JOC for his 50/22 kick. As the Reds overtook a late winning move that ended up on top.

Brumbies on the other hand moved ahead immediately. They were able to get their attacking setup organised. Due to the winning penalties & ball on hand. It aided their early big scores. With two in the first 40 off Folau Faingaa. And Tom Banks who made a brilliant intercept off the poor long ball. Where no one was there to stop him.

Plus the third from Tom Wright in the second half. But unfortunately the momentum was not the same. When the Brumbies conceded plenty of ill-discipline along the way. Not only it cost them a couple of small points off the goal. It ultimately hit them hard by the final hooter. After the Reds ran from behind & produced two big scores. In which was enough for the home side to win. And it is something they must address ASAP. If the Brumbies want another championship.

While we wind back another cracking ball game from Friday. Which is the Rebels v Force in Melbourne also during Week 8.

Melbourne Rebels jumped ahead on the scoresheet early. Having oversaw the Force poor start. Such as the winning penalties. Which saw them control what they want to do with the ball. The safe shots into the goal are always there. As seen with their attacking strategy so far in 2021 Super Rugby AU. Where the home side lead by six points (12-6) at the break.

But the only weakness that ultimately robbed them is the finishing. There was long balls flying everywhere. And not one/two players picked up the ball. In order to try and complete these offloads. It is very difficult to have that communication flowing. Even from a medium to far away distance. That allowed the Force to make up lost time. Before it was too late to catch up with a narrow loss in the end.

And on Western Force. They may not have the best starts. Where their attack was not up to scratch in the initial run. But the defensive part was good. It allowed them to make some progress. That aided winning penalties along the way. With two three-point goals scored in the first half.

They continued maintaining that build up base after the break. Such as more winning penalties. As well as the ball on hand. Where both of these strengths saw them close the lead on the Rebels. Before the Force were able to bridge their executions. Thanks to Tim Anstee who came off the bench. And submitted that winning touch score with less than five to go. In they went to hold the Rebels off by the final siren. After Reece Hodge missed that drop goal attempt going wide left.

We cannot wait for Round 9 of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. It will be the Western Force v Waratahs in Perth on Saturday Night. While Melbourne Rebels take on the Brumbies next Sunday. There is no Friday game until Week 10. As Reds take the bye.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8: Top 3 players from the Reds v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches

Jordan Petaia played an outstanding run tonight for the Reds. Especially during the 2nd 40. In which benefitted this comeback that haunted the Brumbies in the end. He is a valuable pacey player. Whether it is on the wing, midfield or even at full-back.

He can make up the defensive contributions. When the Brumbies had one player running through. It allowed Petaia to read their lack of support runners. And drag them out into touch with the tackle. It really gave the Reds to settle defensively in the first 40. While the attack were not speeding up earlier on.

Then in the last 20 minutes Petaia tried something different. Thanks to the inspiration from skipper James O’Connor via the cross kick. So he went with the 50/22 strategy that granted his side a throw-in. Before the Reds were able to stay patient. Where O’Connor assisted the same thing that helped Petaia cap off really special. This is really good communication. Which is a relief to go from behind & dismantle the Brumbies.

James O’Connor

Another player who was behind the Reds comeback is James O’Connor. He is the skipper who plays at No.10 role. The start may not go against his way. Where the Reds were disjointed on occasions. But he was blessed with the defensive setup. In which helped JOC grab the safe route via a series of penalty goals. The Reds were nine points (6-15) behind at the break.

Then he finally found a trick to help the Reds grab their first big score. When he crossed kick towards the wide left. Saw Josh Flook pick up the pieces from the midfield. And easily made his way to the touch zone. Before he brought up Jordan Petaia with his creative brains. Such as the 50/22 kick into touch. Then followed up with the same attacking finish via the cross kick. And that saw Petaia execute this brilliant masterclass with the TRY.

In which is sensational to close out tonight on a high. Where JOC capped off another few successful kicks into the goal. Thanks to the Reds defensive setup who looked after it well all game. Saw them dissect the Brumbies poor areas in defense that lost them penalties. As it gave the Reds plenty of time to catch up towards the final siren. He is a very important player with lots of creativity. Reds need him badly not just to help them win Super Rugby AU. But also give them an extended run against the New Zealand sides too.

Folau Faingaa

He played well in the starting hooker role for ACT Brumbies. Fired off well with their attacking setup. Which exposed the Reds slow start. Such as the winning penalties on hand. And it allowed him to take control of the ball. It led to his side move ahead early. Especially when Faingaa used the maul to touch one down himself.

That allowed his backline to pay back what he built on. They dissected the Reds impatient finishing & foul play. With Faingaa in there alongside his forwards to build some blocks. Before Brumbies pushed each meter into the opposition territory. As seen with the maximum of points gained ahead of half-time at 6-15.

Although the Brumbies tried to fend off Queensland. But it is the ill-discipline that let Faingaa down. Their 2nd 40 run was not the same as the 1st half. They did not attack a lot. Instead the momentum turned around against their way. And it is something the Brumbies need to shave off ASAP. Especially when they are most penalised team so far this season. They have the Rebels next Sunday. And maybe again in the Qualifying Final. So they better give Faingaa more attacking chances. Before it is too late in the Final.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Report: Reds v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Brumbies touched down first with the ball on hand. Thanks with the early penalties won against the Reds. Having remained patient via the throw-in attempts. Where Folau Faingaa submit the touchdown. As the away side lead 5-0 after six minutes.

Reds have some chances as well in the attack. Due to their defensive setup that gave them a boost. But so far struggled to make up lost time. Especially with the fumbling & lack of talk up. Where James O’Connor went for the long ball. And it went past Bryce Hegarty who was not alert. Which reminded of Matt Toomua from the Rebels poor finishing last night.

As Tom Banks intercepted the ball with a clean run for the touchdown. Just no one there to stop him on the run home. The away side lead 0-12 going into 20 minutes. The Reds have began to climb out of nowhere with the three-point penalty goal. Where the lead difference is 9 points. Then cut down to six (6-12) that saw the Brumbies lost a few penalties.

In which exposed their defense. But the Brumbies still went into half-time as the leaders. With enough distance into the penalty goal from 53 meters. Thanks to half-back Nic White who just extended the lead to nine points. Scoreline card is 6-15.

Reds at last found their way past the Brumbies touch line. When James O’Connor made a cross kick to Jock Campbell on the left. Gained some meters along the way. Before the short passes are there that helped Josh Flook submit this touchdown. As the home side cut the Brumbies lead to just two points after 50 mins. But the away side quickly bounced back via Tom Wright. The score is 13-22.

It took a while for the Reds to try and get their way past the Brumbies. Having changed a couple of players from the bench. When Jordan Petaia made a brilliant 50/22 kick into touch. Won the penalty advantage along the way. In which saw James O’Connor unpack that cross kick. And it really set up a great finish from Petaia to touch one down.

It is a four-point buffer (18-22) after 65 mins. Followed by a single-point ball game after the Refs penalty-goal. With ten minutes to go. Where the Reds won a couple more penalties. Took another successful penalty goal. Before the home side managed to shut down the Brumbies in the end. The final score is 24-22.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Game Talk: Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels fired off with a couple of three-point penalty goals. They were so organised with the ball on hand. When the Western Force were left behind at the start. It helped them take advantage of these mistakes along the way. Before they always take up the safe route for goal.

But they struggle to complete the attack for the majority. There were passes flying everywhere. Especially through the long ball offload. Where it was difficult to find communication. Just not patient to help them execute. And that approach ultimately cost the Rebels in the end.

While the Western Force were behind at the start. Having gave away a couple of lost penalties. In which later converted into leaked points. As the Rebels lead for the majority. They did however found some momentum. Thanks to their robust defense that allowed them to catch up.

They were 12-6 at the break when the attack were not settled yet. But a few changes off the bench saw the Force turn around. Thanks to a couple of penalties that went their way. Such as a few three-point goals. Before they eventually bridge that strong defensive structure into the attack. Where the away side managed to get the job done with a few minutes to spare. Even by a one point margin at 15-16. Thanks to Tim Anstee who produced that winning TRY off the bench.

One game down. One to go tonight in Week 8 of Super Rugby AU. Where the Queensland Reds v Brumbies in Brisbane.

It was an unbelievable low-scoring game by both sides. But it is the Force who got their way their 2nd win of 2021. They now need at least one more win v Waratahs next Saturday at home. Before they can finish 3rd in the ladder. And advance to the Qualifying Final for the first time. So they can have an extended crack v the 2nd placed side. A run towards the final.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Report: Melbourne Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels snatched the early lead with the penalty goal. When Reece Hodge able to clear the kick from the halfway meter line. As Western Force fired off on a poor note. Especially with the isolated build up base with the ball on hand. And it went against their way by the ref. The score sees Rebels lead 3-0 after 2 mins.

Force did win some penalties along the way. They were able to get it going with the defensive setup. Which is some sign of progress. But had limited chances or rushed through it in the attack. It allowed the Rebels to have their crack in return. As Matt Toomua added another three-point goal. Rebels 6-0 Force after 13 minutes.

Before Force bounced back. Where the Rebels gave away penalties in their defensive half. The referee warned Rob Leota about the offside. It was a wake up call that saw Domingo Miotti complete the penalty-goal. Force now 3-6 after 16.

But later slipped away with the offside penalty. Even though they found Bryon Ralston concussed at the initial halfway stage. With the Rebels completed another successful penalty goal. The home side extend their lead to 9-3 after 22 mins.

Nothing much happened with the Force in play. Their defense still gave them a boost regarding a reprieve. Despite seeing Kane Koteka punished via the yellow card. They may have added the safe three-point penalty. But have not yet turned around in the attack which was impatient. As the Rebels pushed the Force back to six points. They lead 12-6 ahead of half-time.

Rebels did have plenty of chances with the ball in hand. But rushed through it that stalled their bid to extend these points. As the Force still strong in the defensive setup. It gave them a chance to bounce back. Where the away team closed the Rebels lead to three points (12-9). Thanks to the penalty kick off Miotti after 52.

Ten minutes later Western Force unable to get themselves ahead. Especially with the poor throw-in. Which cost the away side three points via the penalty goal. Rebels now push them back to six points. The score is 15-9 with just nearly 15 to go.

Western Force at last got past the Rebels half for the touch score. Having won a series of penalties. Picked the full option via the line-out rather than the penalty goal. Kept the maul straight that saw Tim Anstee put the ball down. Before Domingo Miotti converted the two points. Where the away side managed to hold on until the end. Despite the controversial knee slide to Reece Hodge. While Hodge attempted a late drop goal that was unsuccessful.

It could easily have been a penalty as the Rebels fans complained. And see the accuser in the Force camp receive a straight punishment. But the referee called it a day. As the final score is the Melbourne Rebels 15-16 Western Force.

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