The Rebels have conceded 97 points in two preseason trials but coach Dave Wessels is keeping things in perspective. Melbourne went down 47-5 to the Waratahs in their final trial on Thursday night after losing to the Brumbies 50-19 a fortnight ago. Wessels was optimistic, though, after the Waratahs match, having rotated out many of…
Read moreOne Percenters: Polota-Nau set to play for Baabaas
It’s been a big week in rugby. What did you miss in the past seven days? Polota-Nau lining up for Baabaas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika confirmed this week that Tatafu Polota-Nau wouldn’t be playing in the June Series, but he will play one more game before taking a rest. The first-choice Australian hooker has been…
Read moreHaylett-Petty returns for Rebels
The return of Wallabies star Dane Haylett-Petty headlines a new look Rebels side rolled out by coach Dave Wessels for their first trial against the Brumbies. Haylett-Petty has not played since going under the knife to repair a bicep injury that plagued his 2017 and he will make his comeback on the wing on Saturday…
Read moreHigginbotham, Reds concerned for Slipper's welfare
As one of James Slipper’s best mates, Scott Higginbotham’s overwhelming emotion upon hearing the news of his positive cocaine tests was sadness. Slipper’s Reds teammates were only informed of the news five minutes prior to Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle’s press conference, QRU chairman Jeff Miller addressing the group. Higginbotham was aware of the mental…
Read moreBeale relishing fullback switch but worries about Israel Folau's well-being
Click:摩洛哥向导 Kurtley Beale says he is worried about the well-being of his mate Israel Folau but is relishing the challenge of replacing him at fullback for NSW, and he will stick his hand up for Wallabies duty at no.15 too, if required. Beale shone at fullback last weekend after being shifted there for the Waratahs…
Read moreGenia returns, front row replaced for Rebels
Will Genia has been at his bossy best this week and Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels will welcome the return of his competitive edge for the Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders on Friday night. Genia missed the last two games in South Africa through injury and, against the defending champions and ladder leaders at…
Read moreBrumbies snatch comeback win in Tokyo
The Brumbies have escaped with an opening 2018 win over the Sunwolves, 32-25 in Tokyo. The ACT franchise has been widely tipped to top the Australian conference, but an outing like theirs in Tokyo didn’t give credence to much of that hype, trailing 14-3 just 15 minutes in. They managed to claw their way back…
Read moreReds eager to eradicate "lazy" defensive errors
Reds fans can expect an uptick in effort from their side this weekend, after some “lazy decisions” were made in the loss against the Waratahs. After conceding the second least points in Super Rugby through the opening month the Reds have allowed 82 points through their last two starts. A continuation of that trend will…
Read moreGenia injury adds salt to shock Rebels loss
A Will Genia hamstring injury has compounded the blow of a shock 25-22 Rebels’ loss to the Jaguares on Saturday. Genia was in stellar form in Melbourne, orchestrating the side’s opening try and playing a critical role in another on Saturday afternoon. It was on the way to helping Dane Haylett-Petty to his 49th-minute try…
Read moreRebels storm home in second half against Sunwolves
The Melbourne Rebels have continued their unbeaten start to the Super Rugby season with a 37-17 demolition job on the injury-hit Sunwolves in Tokyo. It’s the first time in their eight seasons that the Rebels have opened a campaign with two-successive wins, thanks to their influx of ex-Western Force stars and new coach Dave Wessels….
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