Rebels won't change in face of Hurricanes

After another big win, Melbourne insist they won't change their approach despite taking on their first Kiwi team in the next Super Rugby round.

Lwazi Mvovo of the Sharks is tackled by Reece Hodge of the Rebels

The Melbourne Rebels say they won't change their approach when they take on the Hurricanes. (AAP)

The Melbourne Rebels insist it will be business as usual as they face the Hurricanes, their biggest challenge of the Super Rugby season.

The Rebels thumped the Sharks 46-14 at AAMI Park on Friday, rebounding strongly from their disappointing performance against the Waratahs, which has been their only loss of the season.

Last season, no Australian Super Rugby team managed to beat a New Zealand outfit, with the in-form Rebels getting first crack at the Kiwis this year.

The Hurricanes knocked off 2017 champions the Crusaders last round.

But skipper Adam Coleman say they won't change their approach just because of who their opponents are.

"I think it'll be a great challenge," Coleman said of next Saturday's game.

"We haven't looked too much into it being a Kiwi team.

"We'll stay to what's been working for us - sticking to our processes and playing the footy that we want to play.

"It's got us this far so if it's not broken don't fix it."

The Rebels' tight five performed strongly against the under-par Sharks, with hooker Anaru Rangi grabbing two tries off rolling mauls.

Their backs were also dominant, with Billy Meakes making the most of his first start at inside centre, which will give coach Dave Wessels plenty to think about at the selection table.

Backrower Lopeti Timani was rested from the Sharks while Wallabies fullback Dane Haylett-Petty is also set to return from a head knock.

Coleman said the Sharks match was the most complete team performance of the season.

"It was definitely a step forward in terms of playing as a whole 15 collectively," Coleman said.

"In previous games we've showed patches of just the backs or the forwards and I think that connection between the forwards and backs worked well."


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world