Marika Koroibete just could not stop running all night. He brings so much attacking edge on offer in the 11 Rebels shirt. When he helped out with his forwards pack to stop the Force from scoring. He is good to tackle defensively based on their lack of decoy runners.
That part of contributing added more muscle to help turnover the ball. Before the forwards able to help Marika out in return. Having seen them gain some meters. Where he did offered some great reading to break through the gate. Added some protection on the far right. And Joe Powell was able to patten these passes to the Rebels backline. That saw Lachie Anderson take their first five-point score.
Another good example during the the 2nd half. The communication was there after the successful throw-in penalty. James Hanson was able to find a gap through the gate. And called Marika out for his help via the inside ball. Where he has the licence to thrill through some space. Then found Joe Powell on his left to assist the Rebels touchdown in the end. Now that is impressive attacking play communication.
He was the man of the match last week v Brumbies. Despite most of his backline were not really firing without his help. As the Rebels have a great defensive structure that can win penalties. But last night is all about helping the overall team out. And that helped the Rebels connect their XV to put these points early. Before holding off in the end. It is something they want to carry on v Waratahs next week.
James Hanson
He is very mindful and alert in the defensive play. Where James kept an eye out on what the Force wanted to plan in return. The opposition did not fire with the support they need. So he was able to form some decent blocks to cancel these runs.
So does their poor maul/scrum where the Force unable to stay square. And the poor communication there like these lack of conversions. It gave another chance for Hanson to unleash that physicality. Then there goes the ref for that Rebels turnover.
Again his impressive defensive play gave a helping hand in attack. The throw-ins are accurate to help win the line-out for his team. That one example he did in the 63rd minute saw the Rebels extend their lead. Where Hanson was able to spot an gap through the gate. Flicked the inside ball to Koroibete. And saw this winger speed straight through. Before Marika found Joe Powell towards the run home.
Got to praise his all-round work rate from last night. With competition heating up in the No.2 Rebels starting shirt. Especially with Jordan Uelese injured right now. He would be back in Week 7. So Hanson has to keep his good run v Force. And carry it v the beleaguered Waratahs next week.
Fergus Lee-Warner
He had a great game himself all night in the No.6 Force shirt. The defense was there as usual. Where he was able to read the Rebels missed chances at times. In which gave his Rebels side an opportunity to come back. Thanks to his physical build & tall reach. After winning the penalty or turnover having seen not much big scores.
But unfortunately there was not much support going forward. When his backline were not on the same page. As it was during last week v Waratahs in Parramatta. Just unable to replicate what the Rebels have shown during the 1st 40.
Although, a few changes with 20 minutes left saw the Force back in contention. But most of the starting backline. And their lack of contribution to support the Rebels forward pack cost them. When Fergus tried to force his way through the finish line alone. Once again just no support players to find. And that was the beginning of the end from the Force. With not much time to catch up in the end.
It may have been a really close game after all. If the Force won again then the home crowd would be off their seats. But not last night. As usual the foundations are there to help win turnovers & penalties. Just missing what their backline can offer in return. That would have seen them gain more points for the whole Force side. He will need them to be on their very best next Saturday in Brisbane. When they face 2nd best side Queensland Reds.
