Melbourne Rebels

Melbourne Rebels held scoreless by Fijian Drua in pre-season blow out

The Rebels travelled to Fiji for the first time but left empty-handed, unable to turn a swag of possession into any points.

Recruits, English lock Tim Cardall and hooker Alex Mafi, made their first appearance for the Rebels amongst a number of familiar faces such as Nambian Test flanker Richard Hardwick and Australia A halfback James Tuttle.

The match was played over four quarters at Prince Charles Park in steamy conditions, with a big home crowd turning out to support the Drua.

Moana Pasifika make-up games 'very taxing' on players

Covid-19 disruptions have led to the postponement of four Moana Pasifika games this season, with the team's last six games coming across a 23-day period to make-up for lost time.

Tuifa'asisina Sir Bryan Williams says it's tested the resilience of players and coaches. 

"They haven't been able to play the same team every game because of the short turnaround, so it's meant that they've been able to blood around about 40 odd players in Super Rugby. 

Moana Pasifika determined to break losing streak says coach

The game will be Moana Pasifika's first meeting with an Australian team.

They were originally set to make their Australian debut against the Western Force last week in Perth, but the game was cancelled due to Covid concerns.

Moana Pasifika are at the very bottom of the Super Rugby table, having only won one out of their eight games so far.

Their only win came against the Wellington Hurricanes (24 - 19) in round 6.

Head Coach Aaron Mauger said the team is determined to break their losing streak.

Crusaders down Rebels, Highlanders fall to Brumbies

Leading 7-3 at half-time, the Crusaders showed their dominance in the second half, scoring immediately after the break and running away with the contest.

Ethan Blackadder scored two tries while Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Tamati Williams and Leicester Fainga'anuku all scored one each.

The Crusaders now have six wins from eight matches, and will travel to Sydney to take on the Waratahs this Saturday.

In the afternoon match, the Brumbies beat the Highlanders 28-17.

Fijian Drua win warm-up match against Rebels

Both teams scored four tries each, however, the Drua converted all of theirs.

Drua’s tries were scored by Tevita Ikanivere, Ratu Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani and Vinaya Habosi.

Head Coach Mick Byrne tested out different combinations and will now have a fair idea who will make the starting 15 against the Waratahs next week.

Rebels score first win of the season

Unconverted tries from Lachlan Anderson and Joe Powell either side of halftime proved enough to secure the victory even after Ross Haylett-Petty had been shown a red card in the 69th minute for a dangerous tackle.

The Force had got their first win in two seasons of the competition -- and a first in Super Rugby since 2017 -- last week but their core of test veterans from around the world were unable to inspire a repeat.

 

Photo Melbourne Rebels/Facebook    

130 kilogram prop extends stay with Melbourne Rebels

Fa’amausili has been one of the finds of Super Rugby AU, with his big carries skittling defenders.

The 23-year-old man mountain, who stands 196cm and weighs 130kg, said he never considered leaving Melbourne.

“Staying in Melbourne was always my top priority,” said Fa’amausili.

“I played my junior rugby here, I went to school here, I signed my first professional rugby contract here.

“Melbourne is my city and these are the people I want to represent.”

Melbourne Rebels star Matt Toomua cleared of potentially serious neck injury

The Wallabies regular left the field for a HIA in the second half, coach Dave Wessels fearing a trip to hospital would reveal a serious neck injury as the side dropped back to fourth ahead of a bye.

But Toomua was cleared and travelled with the side back to Sydney, the inside centre unlikely to miss a game given the Rebels have a next-round bye.

Though not yet confirmed, Wallabies Tests against New Zealand are pencilled in for October this year.

Melbourne Rebels duo in off-field strife

Pone Fa'amausili and Hunter Paisami have been stood down pending the outcome of a police investigation into the alleged incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A Facebook post from a woman claiming to be the sister of the victim accused the pair of delivering a "king hit" to her brother from behind, causing him to lose consciousness and leaving him to bleed on the ground.

The Rebels confirmed Fa'amausili and Paisami had been stood down and that Rugby Australia had been made aware of the developments but did not offer any comment.

Strong finish earns Highlanders five-try win

Missing rested All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock, the Highlanders were also without centre Rob Thompson and forwards Elliot Dixon and Ash Dixon.

They struggled early on as the Rebels opened out to a 17-3 lead after 20 minutes but momentum switched when Rebels halfback Michael Ruru was shown a questionable yellow card for a foot trip on Lima Sopoaga.

Waisake Naholo and Kayne Hammington both capitalised on the one-man advantage with tries to level the scores before Reece Hodge bagged the first of his two charge-down tries.