The Melbourne Rebels off to a great start with the penalty goal. When ACT Brumbies were isolated in their defensive end. With not enough support players to cover. As Rebels 3-0 just after 2 minutes.
But Brumbies fought back 3-3 after 5 minutes. Rebels did not look this dangerous tackle. With Richard Hardwick flipped over Connal McInerney. They lost the scrum and offside. As Noah Lolesio able to tie the penalty goal in the posts.
Although, the Brumbies defense was not good. Once again the home team were isolated defensively. It threw a slap against them when they lack some support. Which saw another three points gone the Rebels way via penalty goal.
Immediately the home side able to improve the defense. Thanks to Jahrome Brown who cancelled the Rebels finishing chances. But unable to launch after a collapsed scrum. Where the Rebels able to snatch another three points. When the ill-discipline still stuck on the Brumbies skin. Rebels lead 9-3 after 16 minutes.
But Brumbies finally able to connect their attack. They were patient with the ball in play. The line-out was good this time alongside the maul stayed straight. And Nic White opened up the left hand of the field. Where Noah Lolesio found Len Ikitau for the finish. Brumbies able to get the conversion done as they now lead 10-9.
Nothing much happened a bit later when both sides struggling up front. But have a great defensive setup that helped earn penalties. Though it is the Rebels who just narrowly lead by half-time. After the Brumbies skipper Alan Alaalatoa put a big tackle on Pone Faamausili. And he was red carded by the refreee. With Matt Toomua struck the 4th penalty goal.
Half-Time: Brumbies 10-12 Rebels
Brumbies found their way to get themselves back in front. When the Rebels have not yet improved with the ill-discipline. And their warning hit the Melbourne team hard. Thanks to the penalty try 17-12. With the maul stayed square from Lachlan Longeran. Alongside the assist of Noah Lolesio. But James Hanson interrupted the maul for a yellow.
It did not take that long for the Rebels to close in the scoreboard. And still be in contention after 50 mins. Having spotted the Brumbies poor play. As the home team still need to watch their discipline when defending. Matt Toomua able to kick between the sticks for three points. Plus another three to put the Rebels back in the lead 18-17. No sign of support in the defensive side from the Brumbies.
Same progress remains frustrated at the Brumbies camp. Just a few rough tackles here & there that concede penalty after penalty. Where the Rebels extend their lead to 4 points. After Matt Toomua booted the penalty goal with 10 to go.
Fortunately the Brumbies able to take their change up front. Thanks to the Lachie Anderson mistake that helped win the 50/22. And remained patient along the way. With Ryan Longeran flicked in inside ball for Tom Banks with the finisher. The home team regained the lead 24-21. Just eight minutes left on the clock tonight.
Despite some improved progress as of late. The Brumbies did not take care off their discipline. When Melbourne Rebels stopped the home team short from winning just yet. As Matt Toomua tied the scoreboard 24-24 with 3 to go. Even though Rebels have yet to score any tries.
In the end Rebels did not one strength that the Brumbies have. Which is the finishing. Having seen the home side restarted their attack. Richard Hardwick unfortunately made a mistake for the Rebels. Where Ryan Longeran was able to see enough from the halfway line. And sinked the penalty kick for the win. As the Brumbies remained undefeated 24-21.
