The Melbourne Rebels defeated the misfiring Queensland Reds in what became a closely fought contest after first half dominance gave way to Reds pressure and points conceded. A nail biting finish was endured by fans as resolute defense ensured that the Rebels beat the Reds 25-23 but for Last Word on Sport, the key thing to be taken from Saturday nights match was the introduction and performance of Rebels centre, Sione Tuipulotu. A late replacement for Tamati Ellison, he became the first Victorian to play for the franchise after coming through the Rebels development set up, qualifying from junior level at Southern Districts Pirates in Seaford, Victoria.
Rebels Beat the Reds to Signal Bright Future
The long term impact of Tuipulotu’s introduction may well be a defining point in the Rebels short history as the franchise competes in a state and city dominated by Aussie Rules, they and the sport itself need to nurture the local talent and give them these opportunities. Cleary Rebel’s head coach, Tony McGahan sees much potential in the young recruit, who at 18 years of age put in a performance against the Reds beyond his years, not to mention an adept interview on Fox Sports. The calm, composed demeanor Tuipulotu showed on the field was perfectly executed in his media responsibilities at the conclusion of the match.
The introduction this season of a Super Under 20s, which sees the five Australian franchises all playing respective fixtures against each other alongside the senior sides, holds much promise for Australian rugby. This can be utilized to maximum effect, as shown with Sione Tuipulotu, in order to develop the necessary skills and personal game management needed for success in top flight rugby. For the Rebels, it holds even greater sway as they can use the development of local players to boost the support from surrounding clubs and schools.
Of the 10,114 fans inside AAMI Park on Saturday night to witness the Rebels beat the Reds, insider knowledge shows that the crowd size was significantly increased thanks to the large number of supporters from Southern Districts attending the game to watch Tuipulotu’s debut. It is this connection with the ‘local Rugby community’ that is vital to progression of the Rebels on, and off the field.
Elsewhere in the match, it was the boot of Rebels fly half Jack Debreczeni who landed six penalties and converted the try scored by Jonah Placid to edge his team to victory. Fortunately for him and his side, missed penalties in the second half did not come back to haunt them as they held on for victory. A Reds side with interim coaches now at the helm (after head coach Richard Graham was sacked this week) would have been out to put-right many of the wrongs that have been evident on the fieldin 2016 but a slow start handed the Rebels an unassailable lead.
Although sparks of promise were ignited in the closing stages of the first half, and continued into the second, the Reds were unable to gain a much needed win. The performance of flanker Hendrik Tui in particular stood out, as his ball carrying abilities continually put the Reds on the front foot and his break for scrum half’ Nick Frisby’s try was exquisite.
The Rebels have signaled their intent for the future and their own expansion within Victoria will be crucial in order to sustain the improvements witnessed so far. As the Rebels look to build on youth and the promise of rugby’s global appeal to entice a local audience, they head north in Round Four to be part of Super Rugby’s truly global expansion and face the Sunwolves in Tokyo. Sione Tuipulotu’s name will be marked down in the history books as the first player to progress through the Victorian development system and to play for the Rebels premier side. It may well be the start of a bright future for rugby in Victoria.
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