Melbourne put on quite a show for the Super Rugby opener, such a shame it wasn’t to be for the homes side. An injury hit Rebels side struggled to cope with the New Zealand as they ran away with it in the end 56-18. A thrilling first half saw both sides trading blows but the Blues simply had too much attacking potency and composure.
FULL TIME: 56-18 to the Blues! Great start to the season and the first time we’ve beaten the Rebels away from home. #REBvBLU #BluesAllDay
— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) February 23, 2017
Attack, Attack, Attack
It seems like both sides got the memo about how rugby in Melbourne needs to be exciting to entice fans away from other sports. Neither side took a backward step and continually looked to play with ball in hand. Resolute defences were tested as the Rebels and Blues battled hard on the gain line for any sign of momentum. Although the Blues were equally open to testing out the nerves of the Rebels back three with numerous well placed bombs being used to good effect. A frantic opening two minutes to the new season saw the ball in play continuously in the hands of the Blues.
Blues Looking Dangerous
All night they looked threatening with whether it was kept tight or they were looking wide. Reiko Ioane in particular stood out with three tries on the night. The big question for them is not if they can beat sides of the calibre of the Rebels but if they have enough this year to contend with their compatriots in the New Zealand Conference. His likely partner in the centres, Sonny Bill Williams is still a few weeks away from full fitness. He could be the star power that they need to compete for the top honours this year.
AAMI Park Time Warp
I hope that’s not the flood gates I just heard opening #REBvBLU pic.twitter.com/7Y8Fmjlm23
— #RugbyMelbourneRebel (@RugbyMRebels) February 23, 2017
If it wasn’t for the sight of the turf staying firmly rooted to the ground and not splayed about in sand. Then this could have been anyone of a number of Rebels fixtures in recent seasons rehashed for 2017. The potential remains with a youthful squad with plenty of talent but they must start to make pressure count. Too often in the first half they failed to take points from the tee with missed kicks, failed to clear their lines effectively and forced the pass. The injury hit Rebels will certainly not look to that as an excuse but the loss of their captain Nic Stirzaker to concussion midway through the first half. On top of an already demanding injury list certainly left them struggling for answers to the questions posed by the Blues.
Super Rugby Opener Hits with a Bang
It was the not the close encounter some rugby fans would have hoped for but it did showcase some fantastic attacking rugby. The Blues thoroughly dominated and were well deserved victors whilst the Rebels will have plenty to work on in the coming weeks. Things do not get any easier for them as they now travel to New Zealand to face the Hurricanes before the bye.
“Main Photo Credit”
