It was supposed to be a dead rubber with both sides out of Finals contention but the Waratahs and Rebels showed up at Bankwest Stadium.
Olivia Fox stole the show in the pre-game with another great anthem rendition before the fastest try in Rebels’ Super Rugby history, after just 35 seconds!
But what did we learn?
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1. Wessels troops deliver
A tough week for Dave Wessels and the Rebels with a lot of off-field chatter about the future - but the performance at Bankwest Stadium is obviously a clear sign of the regard with which he’s held. Some big games to come in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
2. Red cards
Isi Naisarani was forced to an early shower after 20 minutes then Pone Fa'amausili followed him with five minutes left to play. Both tackles were very similar and Nic Berry almost seemed like he wanted to find mitigating circumstances - but really was forced into the decision as there was no other option. Shoulder to the head is just a no-no these days. Lesson will eventually get through but players have to get lower.
3. Izzy a Wallaby?
Izaia Perese is a genuine star, make no mistake. A suspension in Round One robbed Perese of a full season but his return has tongues wagging. He’s got speed and skill as well as brute physicality but Perese also has traits that you can’t teach.
4. Tahs attack
The Tahs had some nice moments at Bankwest Stadium but their attack seems very predictable for opposition defences. NSW had some long periods in attack and in a few of those instances, actually went backwards.. A couple of weeks off now before five massive weeks of Trans-Tasman.
5. Anzac Round a winner
Two outstanding games, with two moving pre-match ceremonies recognising and commemorating Anzac Day. At Bankwest Stadium, we witnessed another beautiful rendition of Advance Australia Fair by Olivia Fox who sung the anthem in the Dharug language. Lest We Forget.
