The Highlanders have held off a valiant Rebels outfit 42-27 at Leichhardt Oval.
After a wild build-up as COVID played havoc with the match-up, the visitors threw everything they had at the Highlanders, however, were undone by a ten-minute period of madness.
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So what did we learn from the game?
1.Smith masterclass
The magic of Aaron Smith is a joy to watch as he put in a man-of-the-match performance.
He gave the Rebels headaches especially throughout the first half as he toyed with their defence.
His speed and impeccable service had the home side on the front foot and allowed them to control the contest in the first quarter.
Smith looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and should’ve secured the bonus point at the end as he darted over, undone at the last moment by his own handling.
2.Magic Marika
No one in Super Rugby more deserved to cross the line than Marika Koroibete, who finally broke his try-less run in the 26th minute.
Koroibete has continued to influence the game despite the scoring drought, taking a number of bruising hit-ups off his wing.
After a tough season, it was nice to see him burst through and score, with some lovely build-up play from young guns Carter Gordon and George Worth setting him up.
Having broken the drought, the tries would flow as he crossed for a double, with the Fijian-born flyer grinning from ear to ear.
3.Hero to zero
You have to feel sorry for Jordan Uelese.
With the hooker pushing for Wallabies selection, he anchored a dominant Rebels scrum that bullied their counterparts as he helped get them back into the game.
Unfortunately, that work was all undone after a brief moment of madness, kicking the ball out of the ruck in a moment of frustration with the Highlanders on the attack.
The cynical foul was one too many for ref Paul Williams and his yellow card turned the tide, allowing the Highlanders to score 21 straight points as Uelese could only watch on.
4.New sensation
In his second start, 20-year-old Carter Gordon showed he belongs as he guided the Rebels around the park.
Gordon’s composure was great to see from the young flyhalf as he played a major role in setting up Koroibete’s first try, linking up with English young gun George Worth.
Whilst his attack was impressive, there’s plenty to like on the defensive front as he handled everything that the Highlanders threw at them, including a big tackle to cause a turnover just after the hosts second try.
5.Fighting 'till the end
With everything that has happened over the past week, you could forgive the Rebels for losing focus and not turning up.
However, it was easily their best performance of Super Rugby TT as they took it to the Highlanders, keeping themselves in the match until the last five minutes.
It’s even more impressive when you consider the trip to Leichhardt was one of their first trips outside of hotel isolation since arriving in Sydney.
As their state watched on in lockdown, the Rebels put in a performance to be proud of
