Melbourne Rebels got their Super Rugby campaign off to a flyer with a 35-14 win over the Cheetahs at home on Friday.
Rebels fullback Jason Woodward celebrates his first half try with Lachie Mitchell. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia
CHEETAHS captain Adriaan Strauss has hailed Melbourne as a vastly improved Super Rugby outfit after the Rebels marched to a record 35-14 victory at AAMI Park.
Stunned by Melbourne’s intensity, defence and attacking flair, Strauss said the Cheetahs were flattered by the scoreline.
“The Rebels are a much improved side this year,” the Springbok hooker said.
MATCH CENTRE: Scores, stats, video highlights from Rebels v Cheetahs
“We weren’t great on the day but if you look at the scoreboard, they could have had another try.
“The scoreboard actually favours us in a way. We didn’t pose any threat in attack.
“It was a quality side we played against tonight.
“They’re a lot more positive.
“They’re playing not a different brand of rugby, but they ran from all over. They also kicked attacking at times.
“So good decision-making from their side.
Captain Scott Higginbotham on the charge for the Rebels. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia
“We gave them a lot of yards, they took yards nearly every single phase they set up.
“Their attack was good and they held us quite nicely on the fringe us well, so we need to give them credit.
“But we weren’t good on the day.”
The Rebels had never beaten the Cheetahs, last season’s Cinderella team, in three previous attempts.
But the manner of their bonus point, five-try victory left Cheetahs’ coach and former Springbok Naka Drotske convinced Tony McGahan’s team is ready to take a quantum leap.
“All credit to the Rebels. They played a high intensity game, but not happy with our performance,” Drotske said.
Higginbotham is mobbed by Rebels teammates after scoring their fifth try. Source: News Corp Australia
“I think they’re gonna be one of the surprise teams this year, definitely.
“They play with a lot of intensity, their breakdown is really good. They get quick ball.
“The way the attack is something special so, definitely, they can be positive for the season.”
Asked if the Rebels can emulate the Cheetahs’ run to the finals after being seemingly anchored at the foot of the championship, Drotske said: “If they play the way they played tonight ... definitely they have a chance.”
McGahan was elated with the performance of his young team.
Five players — Lachlan Mitchell, Jason Woodward, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty and Scott Higginbotham — scored tries.
The winning margin was the largest in Melbourne’s 49-game Super Rugby history.
But McGahan, true to his taskmaster instinct, wanted more — and better.
“Really delighted for the players, they’ve had a great belief in each other,” he said
Rebels halfback Luke Burgess salutes the crowd after the match. Source: Getty Images
“To play an excellent side in the Cheetahs and come away with a sound result is great for the whole organisation.
“The pace and tempo we set early and the defence really held well.
“It was a really pleasing team effort. Having everyone on the same page certainly makes everything easier.”
Scrumhalf Luke Burgess acclaimed Melbourne’s forwards who, despite conceding 36kg to the Cheetahs pack, were outstanding.
MELBOURNE REBELS 35 (Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty, Scott Higginbotham, Lachlan Mitchell, Jason Woodward tries Hegarty 2 cons Angus Roberts pen drop goal) bt CHEETAHS 14 (Ryno Barnes, Jean Cook tries Johan Goosen 2 cons) at AAMI Park. Referee: Angus Gardner. Crowd: 10,792.
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