The Rebels host the Brumbies in the second Friday game, and being an Australian derby, not too many people will be interested in this match.
The Brumbies though, could move a step closer to taking an unassailable lead at the top of the Australian conference, as they keep the Reds, who have a bye this weekend (and four points extra on the log) at bay. An unexpected loss to the Rebels will put the Reds in a position to defend their 2011 Super Rugby crown.
The Rebels are pretty crap, but they did select Stirling Mortlock and Mark Gerrard in their starting fifteen, which lifts the team as a whole. I would say this is going to be an exciting match, but I would be lying.
Melbourne Rebels: 1. Nic Henderson,2. Adam Freier,3. Jono Owen,4. Cadeyrn Neville,5. Hugh Pyle (VC),6. Luke Jones,7. Hugh Perrett,8. Gareth Delve (VC),9. Nick Phipps,10. James Hilgendorf,11. Cooper Vuna,12. Stirling Mortlock (C),13. Mitch Inman,14. Mark Gerrard,15. Julian Huxley
Replacements : 16. Ged Robinson,17. Rodney Blake,18. Al Campbell,19. Tom Chamberlain,20. Tim Davidson,21. Richard Kingi,22. Nic Stirzaker
Brumbies: Robbie Coleman, Jesse Mogg, Andrew Smith, Pat McCabe, Joe Tomane, Zack Holmes, Nic White, Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Peter Kimlin, Leon Power, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Ruaidhri Murphy.
Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Scott Sio, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani.
Referee: Keith Brown
Assistant Ref 1:Ian Smith
Assistant Ref 2:Simon Moore
TMO : Steve Leszczynski
Go Rebels!
Halftime
Rebels 12 – 14 Brumbies
55mins (Roundabout)
Rebels 19 – 24 Brumbies
FULLTIME
REBELS 19 – 27 BRUMBIES
Before today.
175 teams entered the game:
8 still alive with a lifeline.
12 still alive with no lifeline.
155 out of the game.
After today
175 teams entered the game:
7 still alive with a lifeline.
10 still alive with no lifeline.
158 out of the game