McGahan praises Rebels' loosies

 

The Rebels secured their second home victory in as many weeks, defeating the Blues 42-22 at AAMI Park to record six victories in a season for the first time.

 

Rebels’ captain Scott Higginbotham was also among the record-breakers as he became the stand alone leading try scoring forward in Super Rugby history, scoring one of five Rebels tries.

 

McGahan was especially proud of the efforts of Fainga'a and Reid, with the former coming in for the injured Sean McMahon, and the latter in for only his second start of the season.

 

“We owed a lot to Colby and Jordy Reid for keeping us in the game during the first half." McGahan said.

 

"We were happier with the performance after the break to secure the win. 

 

"While the score line looks nice, it was a tough game and we have plenty of areas in which we can improve.”

 

McGahan said it wasn’t unexpected that his side battled to get going in the opening stages of the match.

 

“We came into the game on the back of three very physical, attritional matches in a row against the Brumbies, Waratahs and Chiefs, so we knew tonight would ask plenty of questions of the group. 

 

"They responded in the second half, so that’s pleasing for us.”

 

The coach however credited the Blues’ tenacity, saying the game was tougher than the score board suggests.

 

“I thought our fight and determination at the back end of the game was great,” McGahan said.

 

“I thought the Blues were very good in the first half.

 

"We knew they had come here to play."