Rebels defeat Force in Super Rugby opener

The 2013 Super Rugby season got underway with an all-Australian derby, with the Rebels overcoming the Force in a hard-fought 30-23 battle.

The teams exchanged big hits in the opening minutes, before the first Rebels’ infringement allowed the Force’s Kyle Godwin to slot an early penalty.

Godwin had the opportunity to slot another penalty, making it 6-0, in the 23rd minutes, after Higginbotham was penalised.

An awkward bounce allows the Force to get close to the Rebels’ line, with Sam Wykes crashing over, although it was disallowed for being held up.

From the consequential 5m scrum, some quick forward drives and slick hands from the backs allowed Mafi to score cleanly in the left corner. Godwin was unsuccessful with the conversion, leaving it 11-0 after 28 minutes.

The Rebels hit back shortly after, with Ged Robinson grabbing a try after the forward pack drove over the Force tryline from a lineout. O’Connor completed the conversion, along with a penalty shortly after, bringing the Rebels within one point (10-11).

In the second half, the Rebels found some outside space, with Richard Kingi throwing a dazzling sidestep and offloading to big lock Hugh Pyle, who galloped over the whitewash untouched. O’Connor added the extra 2 points, giving the Rebels a 17-11 lead.

The Force then replied with a set-piece try off a scrum, that put Mafi over for his second try in the corner. Godwin’s conversion drifted wide.

An infringement gave James O’Connor another opportunity at goal, which the 22-year old slot it with ease, leaving the score 20-16 to the Rebels.

After Chris Alcock and Alby Mathewson were handed yellow cards for different infringments, the Force were trying to maintain their defence with only 13 players. The Rebels exploited the numbers and James O’Connor through a fantastic skip pass out to Richard Kingi, who finished in the corner in style. O’Connor added the extras with a well-executed sideline kick, giving the Rebels a 27-16 lead.

Richard Brown came off the bench for the Western Force and made his presence known immediately, as the 28-year old crashed over after a pick and drive. Godwin completed the conversion, putting his side back within 4 points (27-23 to Rebels).

O’Connor got another opportunity to add 3 more points and kept his kicking record in tact, making it 30-23 to the home side.

The Rebels managed to hold out the Force’s attack until the final whistle, where the ball was turned over and booted into touch.

Standout player: Kyle Godwin – despite the Western Force facing their first defeat, Godwin was a standout at inside centre, making half-breaks everytime he touched the ball, as well as delivering a solid kicking performance.

Scorers:

Western Force

Tries:  Mafi
Cons:
Pens: Godwin (2)

Melbourne Rebels

Tries: Ged Robinson
Cons: O’Connor
Pens: O’Connor

Cards:

Yellow card(s): Chris Alcock (Western Force); Alby Mathewson (Western Force)