Super Rugby: Talking points from week nine as Jaguares shock Rebels

Alex Broun 17:46 14/04/2018
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  • Ramiro Moyano made some strong runs in the Jaguares during the upset win over the Rebels

    The Rebels and Jaguares put on a thriller, the Brumbies compete against the Highlanders – for awhile and the Waratahs and Reds give Michael Cheika a headache.

    Here’s our wrap of Super Rugby week 9:

    A classic in Melbourne

    Finally.

    In one of the best Super Rugby matches in recent memory the Rebels and Jaguares have finally come of age.

    There were so many impressive elements to this match it’s hard to know where to start.

    The fightback of the Jaguares after being down 19-6 with 50 minutes gone with three late tries was as extraordinary as their defence in the final minutes, keeping the Rebels out for a total of 3mins 41secs and 35 remarkable phases.

    Similarly the determination of the Rebels as they battered away at the Jaguares line for those incredible 35 phases.

    In previous seasons it’s hard to remember the Rebels getting through three phases – let alone than 35.

    Then the courageous – but ultimately incorrect decision – from Rebels captain Adam Coleman to take a scrum and go for the winning try after the siren, rather than take the simple three points that would have given them the draw.

    “We’re not here for the draw,” said Coleman after the game, showing no remorse. “It’s all or nothing.”

    In the end it was nothing and it will be a decision that Rebels coach David Wessels may regret as Melbourne are well in the hunt for the play-offs and those two competition points could be the difference between making the quarter-finals – or not.

    But it’s hard to criticize the talented young captain, who many are touting as a future Wallabies captain, and again put in a forceful 80 minutes.

    More concerning was the hamstring injury to Will Genia, which saw the game turn in the Jaguares favour. Wessels will be hoping it is not serious.

    Highlanders outclass Brumbies – eventually

    Steve Hansen would have been a little concerned after watching this one as the Brumbies pack, with twin pillars Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio,  dominant at scrum time.

    For sixty minutes the Brumbies were more than in it – and were attacking the Highlanders line at 15-10 down, looking to take a decisive lead.

    Then one loose pass and Waisake Naholo swooped, grabbed the intercept and ran away 75 metres to score.

    Two more quick tries to Ben Smith and Shannon Frizell and suddenly the Highlanders were out of sight 36-10.

    The win extended the winning run by NZ teams against Australian sides to 34 consecutive matches.

    Enough said.

    Waratahs too good for Reds

    This match at the Sydney Cricket Ground showcased everything that’s wrong and everything that’s right with Australian rugby.

    Playing their first match back at the famous ground for 35 years there was plenty to make a Wallabies fan optimistic but also enough to make them deeply concerned about the Ireland Test series looming in June.

    The form of Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley, sure to be No10 and 12 for Australia, is impressive but then Foley also made enough errors to suggest once he is put under pressure by the Irish backrow those errors may increase.

    Taqele Naiyaravoro has been outstanding with seven tries in four games, another two against the Reds, but he has already signed with Northampton at the end of Super Rugby, which would make him ineligible for the Wallabies, so it’s unlikely Michael Cheika will make use of him.

    Jake Gordon looks a very talented scrumhalf, which will put a smile on Cheika’s face, as will Sekope Kepu’s return to form.

    For the Reds youngsters Caleb Timu (62) and Lukhan Tui (43) made great metres in the Queensland backrow but their work at the breakdown has a long way to go.

    Also neither Isack Rodda or Kane Douglas made a big enough statement to put themselves in line to partner Coleman in the second row – and Cheika will be very reticent about going back to the re-born Rob Simmons.

    Lots of questions – very few answers.

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