Good news for Rebels after bruising loss
NEWS: After five of their key forwards hobbled off injured in their bruising loss to the Blues, the Rebels got some good news that at least two of them will be ready to face fourth-placed Crusaders, who are the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions.
The Rebels led the Blues 17-13 at halftime at AAMI Park before the visitors piled on seven unanswered second half tries to run away with a thumping 54-17 victory.
Melbourne’s cause wasn’t helped by losing two hookers – Alex Mafi (finger) and Jordan Uelese (knee) as well as lineout-calling lock Trevor Hosea (knee) in the first half.
Test prop Pone Fa’amausili was assisted from the field too but it was due to cramping rather than a calf injury as initially feared.
A third hooker, Anaru Rangi, has also been battling a calf injury that ruled him out of selection for the Blues match.
Uelese, who was named in the Wallabies squad that will meet on the Gold Coast next Sunday, has a history of knee trouble while Hosea missed all of last year with a foot issue.
But the Rebels said on Monday the pair were expected to be available for their next Super clash, against the Crusaders, which follows this week’s bye.
A club spokesman said the knees of both players were structurally stable, with the injuries determined to be severe corks.
Mafi’s finger was a dislocation that pierced the skin but he too should be fit for their round eight clash.
Shell-shocked skipper Brad Wilkin said Melbourne’s second half fade was inexcusable and they would need to lift against the fourth-placed Crusaders, who are the reigning champions.
“We have to be tougher,” said flanker Wilkin, who was also included in the Wallabies squad.
“A game of rugby isn’t going to be perfect and things are going to go against you but I think we could have been a bit tougher, sticking in the fight when it gets a bit tough and showing a bit of character.
“We did it in patches and some guys were showing it but we need a collective buy-in.”
Despite the disappointing result, Rebels coach Kevin Foote lauded his captain, who has stepped in with Rob Leota sidelined after a ruptured Achilles.
“Brad’s awesome – he’s come through a big injury history and to see him get named in the Wallabies is awesome,” Foote said.
“I’m really proud of him as he deserves this. He’s going to go really well in gold.”
