Rebels edge Highlanders in thriller

The Rebels have completed their pre-season schedule with a 25-24 come-from-behind victory over the Highlanders in a thrilling encounter at Harlequin club in Melbourne.

For the first ever time, a Victorian Club ground hosted a Super Rugby trial – as the Highlanders, finalists last season, ventured to Holmesglen Reserve to face the Rebels.

It was a physical clash throughout, with both sides impressive with ball in hand.

The game's early momentum went to the visitors with a successful penalty in the opening minutes.

The Rebels didn't trail for long though, with Jonah Placid touching down after a great run down the right wing to score the game's first try shortly after.

Mike Harris converted the try, and the game continued in a similar vein with a free-flowing offensive style of play, making for an exciting half.

However, the hosts didn't have it all their own way; they were met by a solid and persistent Highlanders defence, who also found the tryline before the break but went in trailing 13-8 after two penalties to Harris.

Neither side made any personnel changes immediately, however following a subdued opening to the second half the Rebels introduced six new players including a first appearance for new signing Ben Whittaker.

The game saw a change of style, as both sides took to the air in a bid for possession. The Rebels looked solid under the high ball, however the visitors took advantage of indiscretions and kicked their way in front to lead 17-13 at the 60 minute mark, before Trent Renata scored to extend the lead to a game-high 11 points.

The Rebels hit back when Mitch Inman cracked the defence after running onto a loose ball, and found the tryline.

And with the 80 minutes up, Dom Shipperley managed to find his way through the Highlanders' defence to seal a one-point victory for the Rebels.

The 2015 Super Rugby competition kicks off next weekend, with the Rebels heading to Christchurch to tackle the seven-time champion Crusaders on Friday.

Coach Tony McGahan said that while he was pleased with the victory, it means little when the competition begins.

"We had a good overall first half, made a lot of changes in the second half and overcame a bit of a lull to come home strongly," he said.

"To come back from 11 points down showed great spirit, and that was pleasing.

"We've had two solid performances and lots of players putting their hands up, so that's the main thing we take from our pre-season."

The scorers:

For the Rebels:

Tries: Placid, Inman, Shipperley

Cons: Harris 2

Pens: Harris 2

For the Highlanders:

Tries: Osborne, Renata

Con: Banks

Pens: Sopoaga 2, Banks 2

Teams:

Rebels squad:

Forwards: Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Colby Fainga'a, Scott Fuglistaller, Scott Higginbotham, Sam Jeffries, Luke Jones, Pat Leafa, Sean McMahon, Cadeyrn Neville, Jordy Reid, Tom Sexton, Toby Smith, Lopeti Timani, Laurie Weeks, Ben Whittaker.

Backs: Luke Burgess, Cam Crawford, Mike Harris, Bryce Hegarty, Mitch Inman, Ben Meehan, Sefanaia Naivalu, Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperley, Nic Stirzaker, Telusa Veainu.

Highlanders squad:

Forwards: Alex Ainley, Shane Christie, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Elliot Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Ross Geldenhuys, Kane Hames, John Hardie, Nasi Manu, Dan Pryor, Mark Reddish, Pingi Ta'alapitaga, Joe Wheeler.

Backs: Kurt Baker, Marty Banks, Michael Collins, Jason Emery, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Trent Renata, Josh Renton, Lima Sopoaga, Fumiaka Tanaka, Ryan Tongia, Teihorangi Walden.

Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)

Assistant referees: Oliver Kellett, Shannon McLachlan (Australia)

@MelbourneRebels

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