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Rugby Union News: Rebels Facing Tough Road Ahead After ‘Soft’ Performance Against Brumbies
Published: 05:20 BST, 28 February 2024 | Updated: 05:20 BST, 28 February 2024
Wallabies rugby union legend Tim Horan has heavily criticized the Melbourne Rebels’ forward pack, describing them as ‘soft’ after the team’s shocking 30-3 defeat to the ACT Brumbies in the opening round of the 2024 rugby union season. Horan believes the financially-struggling Rebels franchise, which faces an uncertain future with debts of over $20 million, is feeling the strain of off-field issues.
Appearing on the Rugby Union news program Rugby Heaven, Horan slammed the Rebels’ forwards, saying “The forward pack of the Rebels was as soft as I’ve seen them.” The rugby union great had high expectations for the Rebels, with their roster featuring Wallabies stars like Taniela Tupou, but was left disappointed by their poor performance.
“I thought, ‘This is as good a list as the Rebels have had’. They were poor,” Horan lamented.
The rugby union commentator is hoping the team can bounce back this weekend, with only fullback Andrew Kellaway shining as a “lone bright spot” in their heavy defeat.
The Rebels’ rugby union attack coach, Tim Sampson, described the team’s display against the Brumbies as “deflating” after a strong pre-season showing. Sampson acknowledged the Rebels struggled across all areas of their rugby union gameplay, from line-outs and kicking to handling errors, leading to the lopsided scoreline.
While Sampson refused to blame the Rebels’ off-field woes, he said the team’s club psychologist would be working closely with the players this week as they prepare to face the Western Force. The Perth-based Force will be eyeing the rugby union clash as a chance to rebound from their own opening-round defeat, and Sampson expects them to be highly motivated to win on the Rebels’ home turf.
The Rebels are not expected to make significant changes to their rugby union lineup, with the potential inclusion of new signing, one-Test All Black Matt Proctor, in the centers. However, the Force will be without prop Marley Pearce, who was suspended for four weeks following a high tackle in their previous match.
As the Rebels navigate the challenges of their rugby union season, the team will need to find a way to overcome their “soft” performance and recapture the form that had raised expectations heading into the 2024 campaign.
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