Match Report: Rebels Wrap Up 2023 Campaign on Historic Night in Canberra

Sat, Jun 3, 2023, 3:26 AM
Rebels Media
by Rebels Media

Melbourne Rebels stalwart Reece Hodge made Rebels history on Friday night, becoming the first player to make 100 Super Rugby appearances for the Club. 

It was an emotional night for the Rebels, with the Club also paying tribute to Foundation Director, Bob Dalziel AM, who passed away earlier this week.

Both the Rebels and the Brumbies came together and paused for a minute silence prior to kickoff. 

With a potential finals berth on the line, the Rebels came out strong early, with starlet Carter Gordon continuing his impressive season, slicing through the Brumbies line to score a dashing try to give the visitors a 10-7 lead after 25 minutes.

However, the Rebels would soon lose a staggering four players in a horror injury run - Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Alex Mafi and Andrew Kellaway all succumbed to head knocks in the first half, hindering the Rebels opportunity to build momentum. 

Trailing by just four points at the main break, the Rebels would be outscored three tries to one in the second half, to go down 17-33 in their first match back at GIO Stadium since 2021. 

Rebels Head Coach, Kevin Foote, admitted the early blows to personnel impacted the shape of the contest. 

"We were brave again like all year, we gutted it out," he said.

"We were pretty disappointed with the four head knocks in the first half, it probably lost our momentum for the game.

"Our defence was stinging and also the try we scored ... was a great effort.

"We just lost some momentum to the game and then there were long-range tries against us that probably cost us a little bit."

Select the player that had the most impact in this week's game v Brumbies for your chance to win a 2023 Rebels Signed Home Jersey.
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