Rugby

Waratahs still unable to get themselves over the line. With four straight losses against them so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Although, they do know how to build some foundations. Such as the defense that won them some penalties.

As well as launching their attacking setup going forward. But lacked a couple of support players. Where one or two were isolated with no one to pass. They were also rushed through/impatient. That is how the Waratahs got left behind for the majority. A few changes though late in the 2nd half did see a different Tahs side firing. Credit to Tom Horton who was involved both in attack & defense. He assisted two late tries in the end. And put his name up for the 2 shirt next weekend v Reds. But the team as a whole not good.

While the Melbourne Rebels shown courage in front of their home fans. They always have a great eye on the defensive side. Especially when the Waratahs did not watch their discipline. And rushed through the attack with a lack of their support. It gave the home side a chance to get themselves ahead. And spotted some space in the final third where the Tahs cannot defend. Brought some decoy runners to support them. As the Rebels executed easily past the goal line. Great talk up to keep that ball carry. Plus their passage of play on the run home.

Not once and twice. Where Matt Toomua made a playmaking masterclass just by himself. Such as his running into space & the cross kicks. But three big scores including some penalty goals between the sticks. It helped the Rebels extend their lead by a comfortable margin. Although, the only weakness is the two late tries leaked v the Waratahs. When they began to falter with some penalties gained. But at least the Rebels did enough to win.

One game down so far in Week 5 of the Super Rugby AU. One to go tonight when the Reds v Western Force in Brisbane.

Melbourne Rebels took the lead at the first attempt. With the penalty goal ticked off between the sticks. Thanks to Matt Toomua who grabbed three-points for the Rebels at home. 3-0 after five minutes.

While the Waratahs were inpatient going forward. They lost a couple of penalties so far tonight. As the Rebels able to capitalize in return. Thanks to a great setup from Pone Faamasulli. Having found Stacey Ili breaking through. Before Ili assisted Tom Pincus & finally Lachie Anderson with the touchdown. Rebels now 10-0 ahead of Waratahs by the 15th min.

Nothing much changed going into the 2nd half of the first 40. Waratahs did have some chances to bounce back. But became isolated without patience via the pick & drive. As they continued to concede penalties. Plus another six points inside the goal posts for Melbourne Rebels. Waratahs trails by 16-0 with a couple of minutes before the break.

The home side able to get around the Waratahs defensive line. When the Rebels scored a 2nd big score. Credit is due from the playmaker at fly-half himself in Matt Toomua. He found the opposition weakness on the far right. Found some space through the gate. Made a cross kick. Before Toomua executed by himself towards the TRY line. Melbourne Rebels with a decent lead at half-time, 23-0.

Waratahs still yet to score despite winning some penalties. The defensive run is a great start as seen during Week 3 v Force at home. But did not make up these chances when looking for the breakthrough. While Rebels able to extend their lead a bit further. As Reece Hodge got the penalty kick right from long range into the goal. Rebels 26-0 after 55 mins.

Then the same momentum still not moving from the Waratahs. When the Melbourne Rebels able to stay patient. Thanks to a great line-out and maul from the returning Jordan Uelese. He saw the opposition weaknesses not staying square. Before he made his way towards the touch line. And registered a 3rd Rebels touchdown. They lead by 33-0 with nearly 10 minutes left.

Away team at last found a breakthrough with 3 mins to go. Waratahs won a couple of penalties as of late. There is plenty of ball carry on hand. Where Carlo Tizzano found an easy feed first to Jeremy Williams. Then to Tame Edmed, Tom Horton & Jack Maddocks. And found Williams for the Tahs 1st TRY. Followed by a 2nd late touchdown. Backup half-back Henry Robertson ran a great line through the break. Despite some controversy with the fumble there. He managed to find Tom Horton for the pass. Before he offloaded to Jack Maddocks for the late comeback.

But it is still not enough to make up lost time. As the Rebels win at home 33-12 Waratahs.