Queensland Reds defeat the Melbourne Rebels by 33-18: Super Rugby
The Queensland Reds beat the Melbourne Rebels in their home ground during a Super Rugby clash played in Melbourne. The Reds claimed their ninth victory of the current Super Rugby competition to stay hot favourites for the semi-finals.
Both teams made only a few changes for the Melbourne’s super clash. The Reds welcomed back their props James Slipper and Ben Daley from respective injuries. Reds coach Ewen McKenzie was very careful about the clash as he made another four changes to the
starting team. The Rebels went on to make two changes to their side after their flanker, Jarrod Saffy, was ruled out yesterday with a groin injury. Saffy was replaced by Hoani MacDonald. Also, prop Laurie Weeks replaced Rodney Blake.
The Rebels had a special plan for the in-form Quade Cooper and Genia. Both are a formidable part of their side and had made their opponents suffer during past clashes. However, it was a nice start for the host Melbourne Rebels as they stole a march upon
the Queensland Reds early in the game. Rebels Huxley committed no mistake to score on a penalty in the third minute of the match.
The dangerous Cooper opened the account for his side in the same way the Rebels had done a little earlier. Higginbotham scored the first try of the match in the eighteenth phase of the play followed by a couple of penalties by Cooper. The Rebels were simply
chasing the Queensland Reds in the match as Genia and Cooper prevailed over them.
The Reds ended the first part of the game with a handsome lead over the hosts with 26-8. The Reds however, struck with a severe blow as Luke Morahan sustained shoulder injury and left the ground midway. Morahan has enlarged the injured list of the Reds as
two key players have already been side-lined due to knee injuries.
The Reds successfully ended the show with 33-18 with four tries. They will take on the Blues on 13th May in their next clash of Super Rugby.
Tags: