The Melbourne Rebels have finished their 2024 season in a brutal contest against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
In the most physical game of the season, the Rebels stood up and took the game to the minor premiership-winning hosts.
With everything to play for and nothing to lose the playing group put on a performance that made both the travelling fans and every Melburnian back home proud.
In a tight first half, the Rebels traded blows with the Wellington side, taking opportunity from the boot when possible and denying the Hurricanes during multiple sets in defence.
However after conceding a try with 30 seconds left in the term, the Rebels went into the sheds at half-time trailing 14 to 6.
The Wellington men struck first after the break with a try set up by Jordie Barrett. From there the game opened up, with the Hurricanes gaining momentum in attack and exerting their control over the game.
There was a glimmer of hope for the Rebels as Lachie Anderson found the line after an incredible offload from Captain Rob Leota, with the winger pinning the ears back to get his team’s first.
Anderson again crossed the line moments later, with Vaiolini Ekuasi coming from the bench and charging through the Hurricanes defenders, dominating the collision to create space on the edge.
Pulling the Rebels back into the game, the exciting period of attack energised the team and awakened the contest.
However the comeback wasn’t to be and the Hurricanes flexed their muscle, with two tries to the reserves putting the game out of the Rebels’ reach and breaking the hearts of the die-hard fans.
Regardless of the result, the 2024 Melbourne Rebels have created a legacy for Victorian Rugby and a lasting memory for the Rebels’ faithful supporters, with a team of dedicated players and staff having worked tirelessly to produce the club’s most successful season ever.
Tries: Tosi, Moorby, Iose, Aumua, Flanders, Kirifi, Naholo
Cons: Cameron 7/7
Tries: Anderson 2
Cons: Gordon 2/2
Pens: Gordon 2/2
