The Rebels fell short of the Sharks in Ballarat in a 36-24 loss on Saturday.
What are we talking about the historic match?
1. Rebels one small step but one giant leap away
The Rebels missed out on a win on Saturday but they are making strides each week. In preseason, they talked often about building into the year and they are showing signs of doing that.
Unable to fully capitalise on a double yellow-card period and two borderline TMO calls going the Sharks’ way proved to be pivotal in the game.
Keep in mind as well that they were missing their first-choice 10 and another Test back before another late change in the withdrawal of centre Campbell Magnay as well.
So many times they were oh-so-close but so far away and that in some ways encapsulates their position right now.
Ensuring they hang onto the ball a bit tighter, make better decisions under pressure and finish the opportunities that they create every week seem like small steps but they have to shore up those areas to try and take the leap they really want to take this year.
2.. Rush defence causes headaches for Rebels
The Rebels showed some promise in attack on Saturday but more often than not they were swamped by the Sharks’ rush defence.
There were times where Melbourne were driven back tens of metres in attack by their defence and they just weren’t able to create the opportunities they would’ve liked.
The pressure forced the Rebels into poor decisions at times as well, something that skipper Dane Haylett-Petty lamented after the match.
Rush defence is becoming more and more common across rugby, especially in the South African realm, and the Rebels show they can push through the blitz defence sooner rather than later
3. Deegan stands up
Andrew Deegan is far from the most intimidating figure in Super Rugby but he was solid for the Rebels on Saturday.
Coming in for the injured Matt To’omua, Deegan showed his experience and smarts throughout the game.
The former Waratahs flyhalf had limited opportunities in NSW, sitting behind Bernard Foley, before heading overseas to play with Irish side Connacht.
He returned to Australia to play with the Force before signing with the Rebels.
While he was making his Super Rugby starting debut in Ballarat, this was certainly not his first rodeo and it showed.
4 Sharks' back three lighting up Super Rugby
To say a back three is a threat is one thing, to stop them is another. And that is what the Sharks showed on Saturday afternoon.
The back three trio of Madosch Tambwe, Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi were destructive all afternoon.
Brush aside the contention of two of their tries, the trio were absolutely electric.
Mapimpi should have had a hat-trick but for an unselfish pass off when he was running in for that third try.
Their pace, their skills and their strength are incredible to watch and a sign of what to expect in the Springboks side in the future.
5. Naisarani back to his best
Isi Naisarani is hitting his straps in Super Rugby this year and it should have the Wallabies licking their lips.
Naisarani had one of his less influential seasons in 2019 and though he had moments in Test rugby, he wasn’t as damaging as he had been in the past.
There are no such concerns this year, though. The big no. 8 drove the Rebels forward with almost every one of his 13 carries and a spectacular pickup from a Marika Koroibete fumble earned him a try for his efforts as well.
If he can keep this form up, Test rugby should watch out.
