The Melbourne Rebels have finally broken through for their first win of Super Rugby Pacific, holding off a fast-finishing Fijian Drua 42-27 at AAMI Park.
They didn't look like a winless side outside of a ten minute period towards the end, controlling the contest on the back of a strong forwards showing.
As for the Drua, it was too little, too late as they failed to hold onto the ball in key areas, inviting the Rebels to build an unassailable lead.
So what did we learn?
1.Ending the streak
Whilst they had to survive a scare, the Rebels will take plenty of confidence out of their first win of 2022.
The scoreline doesn’t reflect how well they played in the first 60 minutes, shutting down the dangerous Drua attack.
When they did look to spread the ball, there were countless occasions of the hosts standing up in defence, with several Rebels defenders there to shut down whatever the Drua threw at them.
It may have fallen apart towards the end but it was a sorely needed win to kick-start their season.
2. Putting it together
Early on, the Drua were their worst enemy as their expansive style failed to stick.
Within the first 20 minutes, they had made six handling errors as they spread it wide with little success.
Meanwhile, their opposition were flawless, allowing them to keep the game in the Drua’s half and build scoreboard pressure.
It would take over 30 minutes for Mick Byrne’s side to get a carry inside the Rebels 22. By the time they did, they were already down 18.
3. Senior players stand up
It’s something Kevin Foote has been calling for and their Wallaby contingency more than delivered for the Rebels.
This was led by Matt Philip, who looked like a man on a mission as he bulldozed his way through Drua defenders for the first try.
Whilst Jordan Uelese did some fine work to score their second, it was the boot of Reece Hodge that set it up, finding the line a couple of metres out from a penalty from halfway.
Meanwhile, Andrew Kellaway remains lethal with every touch, setting up Ray Nu’u for the third try, whilst Matt To’omua was near-perfect with the boot and helped guide the attack around the park, forming a nice combination with James Tuttle.
4. Fightback
They may have struggled to start but you have to give the Drua credit for never giving up.
In a repeat of their Suncorp Stadium thriller, Mick Byrne’s side somehow found their way into the contest after two quick tries.
The second is a TOTY contender, with Kitione Ratu breaking the line from his own 22, finding Kalaveti Ravouvou to finish off the freakish effort.
If they find a way to produce that level for 80 minutes, they will be unstoppable.
5. Setting the platform
The Rebels’ first half dominance can be put down from a near-perfect showing from their forward pack.
They really stepped up and put the hosts on the front foot, earning two kickable penalties in the space of seven minutes, with To’omua making no mistake.
Ten minutes later, a bulldozing rolling maul put Jordan Uelese over the line to set up the commanding lead.
Cabous Eloff and Brad Wilkin were immense for the Rebels, dominating their opposition in all aspects whilst Josh Hill impressed in his first Super Rugby start.
