The Melbourne Rebels pushed the Brumbies to the last minute in a nail biting 24-22 Super Rugby Women's result in Canberra.
In a try-for-try night, the margin only ever extending past 7 points for the entire contest.
The Rebels tested the Brumbies at every point of the game, with their formidable set piece and physicality leading to their first try of the night.
Opening the accounts, Melanie Kawa darted through a small opening at the ruck, running low through the defence line to score.
Playing brilliant attacking Rugby, the Rebels used their maul with hooker Jayme Nuku carrying off the back down the short side to level the scores for the half
Nuku scored her second much like her first, managing the Rebels maul from the back to put their side up for the first time in the match. Not long after, the Brumbies again equalised.
However, it was now the Rebels backline’s time to shine, with a sweeping move from behind their scrum, Cassie Siataga taking on the line with a deft flick to Samantha Treherne storming down the line. A clever offload to set up fullback Crystal Mayes to score just as she was tackled into touch.
The Brumbies quickly responded, with the successful conversion giving them a two-point lead. The Rebels bashed the line, looking to their set piece to seal the game but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, with the opposition holding out to retain the game.
The Melbourne Rebels will play their first double header of 2024 together, with both Men’s and Women’s teams taking to the field against the NSW Waratahs on Friday, March 29, for a Good Friday Clash at Allianz Stadium.
TRIES: Kawa, Nuku 2, Mayes
CONS: Siataga 1
TRIES: Moleka, Naden 2, Palu
CONS: Mokea 2
