RUGBY.com.au will be running the rule over each of the four Australian teams' 2019 Super Rugby seasons.
Today, the Melbourne Rebels.
It was another agonising near-miss for the Melbourne outfit this season, with a fade out in the back end of the Super Rugby season unravelling their playoff hopes. The Rebels were sitting clear on top of the Australian conference at the midpoint of the season but managed just two wins from the back end and finished with a whimper in their final two outings against Kiwi opponents.
Position
7 wins, 9 losses, 34 points
High point
32-13 win vs Reds, Brisbane
it appeared as if the Rebels had really arrived when they had a clinical win over Queensland. It was a victory they really needed after some disappointment on tour in South Africa and looked as it it would spark a mid-season dose of momentum.
Low point
66-0 loss vs Crusaders, Christchurch
The Rebels headed to Christchurch with their finals chances still intact and though they left star halfback Will Genia at home and changed up their lineup, things unravelled quicker than anyone expected. By the end of the night, Crusaders duo Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor both had hat-tricks and the Rebels were left to return home with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Turning point
41-24 loss vs Stormers
The Rebels came into this game off with the opportunity to solidify some momentum off the back of two big wins over conference opponents. Instead, they let the chance slide against the Stormers at home. It was a chance gone begging, and typified the back half of the Rebels season.
What they did well
Attack
When the Rebels were firing, they were one of the most exciting attacking teams in the competition. Winger Jack Maddocks led the competition's try-scorers in the first half of the season and he was becoming an expert finisher of some spectacular work in the middle. Their flat attack caught the competition by surprise in the early weeks but ultimately was figured out and not executed as well as the year went on. Their lineout was also the most successful of the Australian teams, with a 91.9 per cent win rate, second overall in the competition.
Problem area
Defensive consistency
The Rebels had some gritty performances early in the year but when opponents began to get a roll on, they found it hard to stop. The prime example of that was against the Crusaders in round 17 but they had big scores put on them by the Chiefs and the Stormers as well.
Try of the season
Quade Cooper vs Lions
The Rebels showed what they can do when they put it all together against the Lions in Johannesburg, turning defence into an attacking opportunity and a try. There were plenty of tricky and silky finishes through the season but this was their most complete turnaround.
Player demanding a ticket to Japan
Marika Koroibete
Koroibete had a relatively slow start to the year but made his mark against the run of the Rebels' season with an impressive back end of the year, scoring five tries in three games against the Reds, Bulls and Sunwolves.
Rookie of the year
Matt Gibbon
Loosehead prop Gibbon came down to Melbourne on a preseason trial ahead of the 2019 season and he quickly earned himself a regular spot in the outfit. By the end of the Super Rugby season he had signed a new deal with the club and was invited to train with the wider Wallabies squad ahead of the Rugby Championship. Was consistent all season and will have more chances to prove himself next year with a number of players moving on.
Best recruit
Isi Naisarani
Naisarani's addition went under the radar somewhat at the start of the year but it's no fluke that he won the players' player award after just one season with the Rebels. Finished seventh overall in carries this season and was a physical presence for the side.
What Netflix program they actually turned out to be:
In preseason, it was Black Mirror Bandersnatch but by the end of the season the Rebels might have morphed into Game of Thrones. Yes, it's not technically on Netflix, but the much-hyped fantasy drama drew everyone in with a spectacular start but rushed to a disappointing conclusion.
Burning Questions answered
RUGBY.com.au laid out some burning questions for each time at the start of the year. How do the answers look now?
Can Quade Cooper and Will Genia reignite their Queensland magic?
There definitely were magical moments between the former Reds duo this season but they lost their mojo at times. Cooper made some errors through the year that he will rue while Genia's early-season form dropped off somewhat through the year.
Will a team of stars be enough to make history?
The simple answer - no. The Rebels had injury issues at times this season but on paper their depth across the park should have been enough to keep them going. Still clearly have to become better at dealing with pressure and in games as well.
How will Haylett-Petty handle the captaincy?
Dane Haylett-Petty took leadership in his stride but he didn't really have a chance to make this team entirely his own. The fullback missed six weeks with injury and he faced plenty of tough on-field challenges when he returned. Certainly has the temperament to be a great captain but will have learned plenty from this year.
What impact will Geoff Parling have?
The lineout certainly improved in 2019 and the Rebels' scrum often punched above its weight this season. It is not confirmed yet whether he will remain with the club in 2020 but he certainly helped make some improvements this season.
Grade: D+
While there were plenty of bright spots in the Rebels' season, ultimately final was their pass mark this year and they fell short.
