Once again, the Rebels-Force rivalry delivered another thriller as the visitors found a way to hold on for a 22-21 victory at HBF Park.
In a contest once again dominated by cards, the Rebels showed serious character to come away with the victory and continue their remarkable turnaround.
So what did we learn from the thriller?
1.All heart
This was the type of performance from the Rebels that can galvanise a team and prove the catalyst for turning around a season.
They defied spending 30 minutes down a man to come away with victory at one of the toughest places to travel to in Super Rugby Pacific.
After such a slow start to 2022, the Rebels have seemingly turned a corner and all of a sudden find themselves with back-to-back wins and on the verge of a spot in the top eight.
As unlikely as it sounds, they now shape as a potential finals contender and with several Wallabies to return, loom as a dangerous team to face heading into the Kiwi cross-over.
2. The cards continue
The Rebels almost saw that win disappear as they provoked the ire of the referee and TMO.
Two crucial cards before and after the break allowed the Force back into the contest following a strong start from the visitors, building a quick 13-0 lead.
Matt To’omua’s yellow card was questionable but understandable, collecting Harrison Lloyd in the head despite both tackler and ball-carrier dropping their body height.
However, Ray Nu’u being issued a red was a simple decision, even if the TMO struggled to show the right tackle to start with, showing the need for players to actively make an effort to drop their body height.
It continues the streak of red cards from Australian games and reflects Dave Rennie’s sentiments from Tuesday that body height remains a key work on for Australian sides if they wish to avoid this trend continuing into the International season.
3. Superman
Manasa Mataele showed off why he is one of the best signings of 2022 with an incredible aerobatic try.
With next to no space in the corner, Mataele found a way to bump off Stacey Ili and contort his body over the sidelines to plant it down.
The incredible effort was somewhat overshadowed by the yellow card to To’omua, but the Fijian flyer cemented his status as one of the most influential players for the Force minutes later with a great ball to find Jake Strachan, whose chip set up Kyle Godwin.
4.Forwards shines
When the Rebels needed it the most, their forward pack stepped up.
Down a man and two points, their scrum took over the contest, twice earning kickable penalties for To’omua and Hodge as they reclaimed the lead.
Cabous Eloff’s 80-minute effort was immense and will only cement his cult status whilst Michael Wells produced a number of key carries late.
Wallaby Matt Philip was the true standout of the pack, making a serious claim for being the best lock in the country after an inspirational performance, earning a number of key turnovers in defence and at lineout time.
5. Making use of the opportunity
Force winger Brad Lacey made good use of his sudden call-up to nearly inspire the hosts to victory.
Lacey originally came onto the bench after COVID ruled out a number of players, with Byron Ralston’s late withdrawal gifting him his first start in just under two years.
The 28-year-old produced a great set of hands to set up Mataele before crossing for a try of his own.
He finished with a game-high six tackle busts to go with the try and try assist, giving Tim Sampson a major headache at selection time ahead of next week’s clash with the Waratahs as Toni Palu prepares to return.
