Disappointing homecoming for Rebels
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Western Force have left Melbourne Rebels as the only winless Australian Super Rugby Pacific team, securing a 28-3 win in a disappointing homecoming for the Rebels.
Returning to AAMI Park on Saturday for their first home game in 287 days, the Rebels were looking to rebound from a heavy opening loss to the Queensland Reds.
But their stuttering attack failed to fire and they were unable to get across the line for their fans while the Force secured a bonus point with their third try, scored by Byron Ralston on the final siren.
Coach Kevin Foote said his team were down on confidence with a number of stars injured, including Andrew Kellaway, Trevor Hosea, Rob Leota and Pone Fa'amausili, while Test wing Marika Koroibete has departed for Japan.
"Our confidence is probably knocked at the moment and we're not getting into our rhythm and it's something I'm speaking to the boys about quite openly," Foote said.
"It's something that we've got to address quickly.
"We've had a few injuries, but it's not something we should lose all of our confidence around."
The men from Perth led 13-3 at half-time and that was blown out just two minutes into the second half as the Force took advantage of Melbourne losing Reece Hodge to a yellow card.
The Wallabies utility was sent for a stint on the sidelines for a cynical foul after he slapped the ball away from Reesjan Pasitoa following a break by the young Force playmaker.
Centre Kyle Godwin then dotted down following a dominant Force scrum and with Ian Prior adding the extras the visitors had a commanding 17-point lead.
Further souring the Rebels' night, Hodge was then given his marching orders in the 76th minute when he was pinged for a deliberate knockdown, with two yellow cards equating to red.
Despite fine conditions in Melbourne, the Rebels never really looked like rallying with their poor attack a major challenge for Foote, who is looking to put his stamp on their game.
The Force, who almost toppled the Brumbies last round, only managed one try in the opening stanza through No.8 Tim Anstee in the 26th minute.
But their coach Tim Sampson credited the Rebels for their starchy defence.
Sampson said he felt the team were in good shape ahead of their return home to host the Reds next Friday.
While Wallabies lock Izack Rodda limped off midway through the second half, it was only a cramp rather than calf injury.
"We're pretty comfortable," Sampson said.
"We were pretty chuffed with our performance last weekend even though there was disappointment about not getting the win but we bounced out of that with a lot of confidence.
"We know what it means to play at home and the Rebels made us work really hard."
Melbourne lost hooker Jordan Uelese, who injured his ribs again in the first half, while English fullback George Worth only lasted two minutes when he entered the fray just after half-time before being knocked out.
The scorers:
For Melbourne Rebels:
Pen: To'omua
For Western Force:
Tries: Anstee, Godwin
Cons: Prior 2
Pens: Prior 3
Red card: Reece Hodge (two yellow cards - 42nd minute and 77th minute)
Teams:
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Raymond Nu’u, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Matt To’omua, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Michael Wells (captain), 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Sam Wallis, 5 Ross Haylett-Petty, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Sef Fa’agase, 19 Thomas Nowlan, 20 Tamati Ioane, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Carter Gordon, 23 Young Ton-mile.
Western Force: 15 Jake Strachan, 14 Toni Pull, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Richard Kahui, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Tim Anstee, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u (captain), 1 Tom Roberston.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Harry Lloyd, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Ollie Callan, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Jake McIntyre, 23 Byron Ralston.
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Jordan way, James Palmer
TMO: Oli Kellett