The Shaw and Partners Melbourne Rebels Under-18 Academy team claimed their first points of the 2022 academy season, recording a stunning come from behind 34-14 win over the Brumbies academy in Canberra last weekend.
The Rebels backed up their improved Round 2 performance against the Queensland Reds with another stirring outing, highlighted by a powerful forward display full of patient build ups and smart offloading, while late tries to replacements Kobi Heurea and Tj Sivanila showcased the squad’s impressive depth.
In what was his third consecutive start for the Rebels, Martin Vaega got the visitors off to a fast start, scoring his first try of the year.
The hooker was soon joined by full-back Hugo Peel and Darcy Keating before Kobi Heurea and Tj Sivanila sealed the crucial away win.
Melbourne Rebels Academy Head Coach Cliff Villiamu believed the win said a lot about the side’s resilience, in what was the Rebels’ third game in just ten days.
“I think the win confirmed our boys can play and when given the opportunity, can perform at an elite level,” said Villiamu.
“This is something the coaching staff had belief in when they were selected, so it was good to see them get up and enjoy the moment.
“The focus for us has always been excellence at the basics in regard to how we want to play, which is a dominant and direct approach in attack and defence, so it paid dividends for our boys, so it was a good day for us.”
The Rebels will look to secure their second straight victory of 2022 when they head back on the road to take on the NSW Waratahs on Saturday September 24 at 2:00 pm.
Villiamu said the break will allow his squad to re-focus and maximise their preparation for the final two matches of the academy season.
“We’ll get the opportunity to watch and study the Waratahs, which will be great.”
“The chance to review our playing group and select our strongest possible line up to travel for the backend of the season will also be beneficial and will really hold us in good stead to be successful in those last two games.”
