It was a game for the purists for 75 minutes on Friday night at AAMI Park before the content came alive as the Western Force claimed a thrilling one-point win.
Tim Anstee’s maul try with four minutes remaining was converted by Domingo Miotti and the Rebels couldn’t convert in the closing stages to re-take the lead.
But what did we learn?
Minutes of madness
As mentioned, it wasn’t exactly breathtaking footy for the first 70-odd minutes but the last 10 were absolutely compelling viewing. The Force always kept themselves in the contest and finally got some continuity late in the second half before hitting the front.
The contest wasn’t done there though as the Rebels re-gained possession, went through 25 phases into overtime before the Force turned it over and had seemingly won the game. But unbelievably, Jack McGregor’s clearance kick was charged down and the Rebels re-gained possession for another crack. Reece Hodge’s drop goal from 35 metres out couldn’t find it’s mark though, and the Force rejoiced.
Season wide open
The fight for third is now well and truly on. The Rebels sit just one point clear of the Force with two games remaining. The Rebels run-in sees them play at home to the Brumbies next week before the Waratahs in Sydney in the final round, while the Force head home to Perth for their next two fixtures against the Waratahs and Reds respectively. Who edges into the Qualifying Final on 1 May is anyone’s guess!
Tim An-star
The former Australian Sevens star came off the bench early in the second half and proved the game winning sub by Force coach Tim Sampson.
Anstee got the crucial try with minutes remaining before putting enough pressure on Reece Hodge to miss his drop kick attempt after the hooter. Anstee will now head to Sydney to join Dave Rennie at Wallabies camp. What a year it’s been so far.
Sitaleki form
The giant lock is 34-years old but has not missed a beat since his return to Australian soil. He too joins Wallabies camp from Sunday and another Test jersey doesn’t look far away following his performance against the Rebels. Timani terrorised the Rebels lineout and he was a menace in open spaces, as well as in defence.
Lewy’s lasers
The former Australian Sevens captain made his first Super start at AAMI Park and didn’t disappoint with some ripping right-to-left passes highlighting his unique skillset.
The playmaker has long been touted a genuine XVs option but exclusively playing the Sevens game had previously proven too strong a pull for the now 28-year-old. COVID has since changed that, and the Rebels are set to reap the rewards.
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