Seven rounds into the 2014 Super Rugby season, the Melbourne Rebels are definitely a team to be wary of. They may have had big losses to the Western Force and Waratahs in recent weeks, but last weekend’s substantial 32-24 win against the Brumbies shows just what a threat the Rebels pose.
Beating the Brumbies
What is especially significant about the win is that the Brumbies are currently leading the Australian conference. A team others have struggled to beat, the Rebels – currently last in the Australian conference – seemed to make easy work of.
The Brumbies got points on the scoreboard in the first three minutes of the game and it looked as if perhaps the Rebels were going to be in for another hard game. Trust me, after seeing the Crusaders losing in the match beforehand, the last thing I wanted to see was my other favourite team losing!
After that first try by the Brumbies, penalties were traded between the teams… and it looked as if the viewing public were in for a rather boring game, but as it turned out, that was not the case.
Jason Woodward leads the way
In an almost ironic twist, it wasn’t an Australian player who stood out from the rest in what was an all-Australian battle. No, it was New Zealander Jason Woodward who made his mark, in what was quite possibly his most complete game in the Rebels jersey. BEST RETURN FROM INJURY EVER!
Of the 32 points recorded by the Rebels, Woodward scored 27 by himself. In what was a very impressive effort with the boot he slotted 8/8 kicks at goal, in the form of two conversions and six penalties. To add to his impeccable kicking record, Woodward made it through five tackles to score the first of the Rebels’ two tries.
Tony McGahan inspires team
It seems that whatever coach Tony McGahan is doing is working. The Rebels of 2014 seem to be a whole new breed of Rebels, their work on the field has clearly improved, but they also seem to have renewed drive and renewed passion for the game.
There seems to be great comradery between the players, both on the field and off the field, and I believe that is a big reason why they have been so successful in 2014. This comes back to the importance that McGahan places on the players playing for each other, something the Rebels are obviously taking very seriously.
When the whistle blew on Friday night there were back slaps, handshakes and man hugs all around – and fair enough, they had pulled off a massive win – but I see the same thing week in, week out, regardless of the result. While other teams are walking around looking a bit sorry for themselves after a loss, the Rebels are doing their back slapping, handshaking and man hugging. Sure, they look disappointed, and who wouldn’t after a loss, BUT you get the impression the Rebels take joy out of simply playing as a team.
It occurred to me that the Rebels don’t appear to view any individual players performance as more important than anothers. One would expect that after a game like that, it would be Jason Woodward getting all the back slaps, handshakes and man hugs. Let’s face it, he was impressive, he helped the team get the win, but there seems to be a VERY strong culture within the Rebels, of no man being greater than the team. The old addage ‘there is no I in team’ is splashed around a lot, I haven’t been in a sports team and NOT heard it, but the Rebels seem to TRULY believe that, and play with that philosophy in mind.
Maybe it just comes down to the fact the Rebels are a group of humble Aussie, Kiwi and Japanese blokes, who genuinely appreciate the chance they have been given and want to make the most of it.
The Rebels are now in New Zealand for two games, the first this weekend versus the Highlanders, and the second next weekend versus the Chiefs. Both games are going to be tough, but I am confident the Rebels have what it takes to beat both teams… I would personally love if they beat the Chiefs though, because I am going to be at the game! Yes, unpatriotic me, I am going to be at Waikato Stadium with my wife, cheering on the Australian team… no doubt we’ll be clearly identifiable in the crowd, wearing our registered Rebels member hats and all!
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LastWordEmma. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Rugby writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Main Photo:
