Rebels set to deliver Waratahs a competition ending blow

Tue, Aug 25, 2020, 11:35 PM
AAP
by AAP
Rebels playmaker Andrew Deegan overseas the Rebels scrum against the Brumbies. Photo: Getty Images
Rebels playmaker Andrew Deegan overseas the Rebels scrum against the Brumbies. Photo: Getty Images

Melbourne playmaker Andrew Deegan says he hasn't done the maths on the Super Rugby AU finals machinations but does know he wants to play four more games this season.

The Rebels can deal the Waratahs a season ending blow on Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval, with a win securing a top-three spot and knocking NSW out of the finals race.

However if the Waratahs earn maximum points and deny the Rebels a bonus point, they will lock in a spot ahead of the final round.

"To be honest, I didn't know that," five-eighth Deegan said.

"I haven't seen the table and worked out the maths of all of it.

"Our big focus has been fixing up our issues in the Reds game."

Deegan said the Queensland match was one of the most frustrating he'd played in, with his team kept tryless for a 19-3 result.

The Rebels peppered the Reds' line for almost 30 minutes to begin the second half for no reward, bending the line but never breaking it as Queensland made 108 tackles to four. 

"We missed a few opportunities when they were presented to us and we've spoken about that," the 25-year-old said.

"We didn't do the foundation things in our game too well and the Reds defended really well but we if we're honest we should have come away a few more points from the amount of possession and territory we had so we're looking to make amends with this week."

READ MORE: 'Do-or-die': Tahs bracing for 'physical' assault from Rebels in winner takes all clash

The Rebels have beaten the Waratahs twice this year and are unbeaten at Leichhardt Oval, which has become their home during their season on the road.

Deegan joined Melbourne from the Western Force and also spent two years playing with Connaught in Ireland.

He said he wasn't sure of his playing future.

"It's all up in the air - I'm just focusing on each week - and I'm really just looking forward to hopefully playing the next four games."

The Rebels take on the Waratahs at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday August 29, kicking off at 7:15pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports. Buy tickets here. Buy a Kayo subscription here.

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