Rebels unsure how Tahs would pay Folau

Updated December 03, 2012 19:13:38

Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill says he can not fathom how Super Rugby rival New South Wales could fit off-contract code-hopper Israel Folau under the newly introduced salary cap.

Rugby union has emerged as the next stop for 23-year-old Folau after he turned down an offer to return to rugby league in the NRL with Parramatta last week, having quit his multi-million dollar AFL deal with Greater Western Sydney last month.

Labelled a cash-hungry mercenary in some quarters after walking away from protracted talks with Parramatta, Folau took to Twitter late on Sunday.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinions! But I'll speak the truth when it's my time," Folau tweeted.

That time may be as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, with speculation rife the former Kangaroos centre is poised to sign a one-year deal with the Waratahs.

New South Wales has called a press conference for 9:00am (AEDT) Tuesday to make a "major announcement".

Along with the Rebels, New South Wales is the only Australian franchises to have a spot to fill on its 30-man roster for next season.

But the Rebels, who were reportedly extremely close to signing Folau in 2010 before he moved to the AFL, on Monday shut the door on the possibility of recruiting the former Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos centre.

"Israel is a rare talent and would be a great asset for rugby," Hill said.

"But I can't see how any Super Rugby clubs, including the Rebels, could afford him with the late timing and the salary caps that have been enforced."

That leaves the Tahs as the only viable option for the off-contract Folau, who struggled badly in AFL and left Greater Western Sydney admitting "the passion wasn't there."

The ARU has introduced $4.5 million salary cap for each of Australia's five Super Rugby clubs has been introduced for the first time and takes effect from the start of next year in an attempt to rein in player salaries.

Finding a spot for Folau in a Waratahs backline already flush with Wallabies outside backs would create a selection poser for new coach Michael Cheika.

But before he can even grapple with that dilemma, chief executive Jason Allen and Folau's manager Isaac Moses must first wrestle with the financial predicament.

The Waratahs are likely to have a minimal amount left in their kitty for next season to offer Folau, who was paid $1.5 million per season at GWS.

The Eels drew up a deal for Folau reportedly worth $3 million over four years.

Even if a slimmed down deal for next season can be agreed upon, the NRL's soon-to-be increased salary cap of around $5.2 million for 25 players is significantly more than Super Rugby's fiscal limitations.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 03, 2012 17:31:27

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Former Rebels player collapses during match

Updated October 20, 2012 19:23:59

Former Melbourne Rebels player Hoani MacDonald collapsed with a suspected heart attack in a New Zealand championship match on Saturday.

The 34-year-old middle-rower required vigorous CPR treatment for more than five minutes before he could be moved from the field and rushed to hospital in the town of Pukekohe.

"Macdonald was taken by ambulance from ECOLight Stadium to Middlemore Hospital," a New Zealand Rugby Union statement said.

"He has been put in an induced coma and is stable."

MacDonald, a former New Zealand Junior and New Zealand Maori representative, was playing for Southland against Counties-Manukau in a semi-final match when he collapsed midway through the first half.

A Southland team spokesman said it was not known whether he collapsed during an incident on or off the ball, but spectators said MacDonald was treated for a suspected cardiac arrest after he fell clutching his chest.

In 2008, MacDonald left New Zealand to play for Welsh side Newport Gwent Dragons before moving to Australia in 2011 to play Super Rugby for the Rebels.

AFP/Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted October 20, 2012 16:52:18

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Jantjies boots down Rebels

Updated July 08, 2012 07:51:50

Fly half Elton Jantjies succeeded with all seven of his kicks at goal to secure the Lions a 37-32 win and deny a remarkable Melbourne Rebels comeback.

They held on following a fantastic comeback by the Rebels who scored three second-half tries to turn a 24-7 deficit into a 32-27 lead at Ellis Park.

But replacement flanker Jaco Kriel charged down the blindside to score an equalising try, which Jantjies converted from the touchline. He then kicked a penalty on the final hooter to stretch the winning margin to five points.

The Lions played with enormous confidence and freedom in the first half, running in three tries and Jantjies kicked a penalty to give them a 24-0 lead after 36 minutes.

"We had a disappointing first 15-20 minutes, making simple, fundamental errors in good field positions, that gave the Lions lots of possession and, to their credit, they turned that into points," Rebels coach Damian Hill told a news conference.

The home side made a great start when right wing Lionel Mapoe stepped inside and sent outside centre Waylon Murray over for the opening try after just two minutes.

Flanker Derick Minnie scored two more as the Rebels struggled to get on the front foot against an aggressive defence in the first half.

The Australians finally got some points on the board on the half-time hooter when, after a rolling maul, hooker Ged Robinson emerged with the try which was converted by fullback Julian Huxley.

Having dominated the opening 40 minutes, the Lions lost their focus in the second half, conceding a string of penalties to give the Rebels momentum and territory.

"There was a lack of concentration in the second half, especially defensively, with guys not manning up in the one-on-one tackles," Lions captain Josh Strauss said.

"If we can keep concentrating for 80 minutes and play like we did in the first 40 minutes, then we'll be a very dangerous side. We're still playing for pride and each other."

Lock Hugh Pyle scored two tries in three minutes for the Rebels.

Huxley converted Pyle's first try and brought the Rebels to within two points in the 58th minute as he kicked a penalty.

Jantjies replied with a penalty but then turned villain when his clearance kick was charged down by flyhalf Jimmy Hilgendorf for a Rebels try.

Huxley converted to give the Rebels a 29-27 lead and then added a penalty.

But Lions scrumhalf Michael Bondesio caught the Rebels defence napping with a pop-pass down the blindside to Kriel, who powered through the cover defence to score in the corner.

The 21-year-old Jantjies kept his nerve to kick the conversion and give the crowd a happy ending to the Lions' last home game of the season.

"There's a good spirit and camaraderie in the group and we've consistently shown that when we're down, we find a way back," Rebels captain Stirling Mortlock said.

"But too often we let ourselves down first and we need to find a way to be better as a team, to be able to put pressure on the opposition from the start."

Reuters

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, south-africa, melbourne-3000

First posted July 08, 2012 07:51:50

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Rebels confident of shutting down Genia

Updated June 26, 2012 11:13:01

Melbourne Rebels feel they have got the measure of Queensland Reds maestro Will Genia ahead of Friday night's Super Rugby match at AAMI Park.

In their round-three meeting in Brisbane, the Rebels almost the toppled the defending champions before losing 11-6, having kept the Wallabies half-back in close check.

Rebels' Welsh number eight Gareth Delve says keeping Genia quiet is the key to overcoming the Reds, who are clear second in the Australian conference and ninth overall.

The Rebels are currently fourth in the Australian conference and out of the running for finals.

"They've got some fantastic game-breakers and Will Genia is the glue that holds all that together," Delve said.

"We'll definitely have to keep a close eye on Will.

"You've got to have a special plan, he's a fantastic player, never has a bad game so we've got to make sure he's not as influential as usual."

After Genia ran amok in the opening Test against Wales, the visitors had some success in the second and third matches of the series in slowing down the supply of ball to the dynamic number nine.

Delve, who was a late call-up to the wider Welsh squad during the series, says he feels the Rebels have done well to shut down Genia in their recent clashes with the Reds.

"We've had a decent bit of success against Will," he said.

"In the last two matches he hasn't been quite so influential but you have to have special plans to limit his time on the ball and bring people into the game."

Delve, who recently agreed to another year in Melbourne, says another Rebels' signing for 2013, imposing Reds back rower Scott Higginbotham, will also be a big factor on Friday night.

"Scott's been performing really well on the international stage and I'm looking forward to playing alongside him next season because I think he adds a hell of a lot," Delve said.

"He's a massive factor for the Reds ... until he's in Rebels colours we won't be giving Scott a warm welcome on Friday night."

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, brisbane-4000

First posted June 26, 2012 11:08:13

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Brumbies hold on against Rebels

Updated June 01, 2012 23:07:07

The Brumbies made sure the Reds made no ground on their lead at the top of the Australian conference following a tough 27-19 victory over Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park.

The Reds will remain five points adrift of the Brumbies, who bounced back from last weekend's 13-12 loss to the defending champions to post a two-tries-to-one win over the Rebels.

Andrew Smith and Robbie Coleman recorded tries for the visitors, while Cooper Vuna continued his solid scoring form with the Rebels' lone five-pointer.

Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore conceded the bonus point would have been handy, but they were still pleased to walk away with the win.

"We would have liked five points but we knew Melbourne were going to be hard they're always good at home," he told Grandstand.

Moore admitted the Brumbies' confidence took a hit as a result of the loss to the Reds in their last start.

"So it's a gutsy effort. We've had a bit of an up and down week, so four points is not so bad," he said.

Rebels captain Stirling Mortlock felt his side gave the Brumbies too much ball through handing over possession via penalties.

"Our discipline really hurt us basically the whole game," he said.

"We found it difficult to maintain pressure on them, so it's extremely disappointing."

The ACT-based Brumbies were in turmoil last season but have thrived under South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White and short of a major collapse.

They are chasing their first play-offs appearance since 2004 when they won the then-Super 12 competition.

The Brumbies took a 9-0 lead courtesy of two long-range penalties from winger Jesse Mogg and one from closer to the posts by fly half Zack Holmes

Smith also crashed over after Rebels prop Jono Owen had been sin-binned by referee Keith Brown following a warning to the home side for repeated infringements.

But the Brumbies went off the boil in the final 15 minutes of the half and Rebels full-back Julian Huxley added three further penalties to the one he had slotted earlier to ensure his side were still in the match at the break.

The visitors extended their lead to 12 points after half-time when Holmes added his second penalty then converted full-back Coleman's try, but the Rebels refused to allow them to kick away.

Vuna scored straight from the kick-off following Coleman's try when the Brumbies failed to regather the re-start and the home side were again back within five points when Huxley converted from the sideline.

But Holmes added his third penalty with less than 10 minutes remaining, as the Brumbies did just enough to win the match.

Brumbies: 27 (A Smith, R Coleman tries; Z Holmes con, 3 pens; J Mogg pen)

Rebels: 19 (C Vuna try; J Huxley con, 4 pens)

Reuters/ABC

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, canberra-2600

First posted June 01, 2012 21:40:05

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Rebels replace Beale with Hilgendorf

Updated May 31, 2012 10:26:47

James Hilgendorf has been named at fly half in place of the injured Kurtley Beale for the Rebels' clash with the Brumbies on Friday night.

Beale has been sidelined for at three weeks after undergoing minor surgery to remove floating cartilage from his left shoulder joint.

Outside Hilgendorf, captain Stirling Mortlock returns at inside centre for Lachlan Mitchell, who suffered concussion against the Hurricanes last week.

Flanker Hugh Perrett has been named in the starting side, the accomplished Sydney club rugby player to come up against talented Brumbies openside Michael Hooper.

The other change sees veteran Adam Freier return at hooker for Ged Robinson.

Tags: super-rugby, sport, rugby-union, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 31, 2012 09:48:51

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Brumbies change line-up to meet Rebels

Updated May 31, 2012 16:03:31

Brumbies coach Jake White has made three changes to his starting XV to face Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Lock Sam Carter and tighthead prop Dan Palmer have been rested, with Leon Power named to start in the second row and Ruaidhri Murphy moving into the front row at loosehead with Ben Alexander shifting to the right side of the scrum.

Robbie Coleman has been included at full-back with Jesse Mogg moving to the wing to replace Henry Speight, who has been named on the reserves bench.

Number eight Fotu Auelua and prop Scott Sio have also been included amongst the reserves, as has outstanding back row talent Colby Faingaa, who will make his first appearance for the Brumbies after recovering from an ankle injury.

The Brumbies lead the Australian conference standings on 45 points, their lead cut to five points after going down to Queensland 13-12 in Canberra last Saturday night.

Brumbies squad:

Robbie Coleman, Jesse Mogg, Andrew Smith Pat McCabe Joe Tomane Zack Holmes Nic White Ben Mowen (c) Michael Hooper Peter Kimlin Leon Power Scott Fardy Ben Alexander Stephen Moore Ruaidhri Murphy

Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Scott Sio, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, melbourne-3000

First posted May 31, 2012 16:03:31

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Rebels brought back down to earth

Updated May 26, 2012 18:23:56

Melbourne Rebels' two-match winning run was ended in emphatic fashion following a 66-24 thumping at the hands of the Hurricanes in Wellington.

And to add injury to insult, Rebels fly half Kurtley Beale was forced from the field with a shoulder complaint.

The Rebels' defence leaked nine tries at the 'Cake Tin' in the New Zealand capital, with hulking Hurricanes winger Julian Savea crossing for a hat-trick, while Andre Taylor and Alapati Leiua posted doubles.

Cooper Vuna scored a brace himself for the Rebels, who added a five-pointer after the full-time siren via veteran hooker Adam Freier.

Hurricanes half-back TJ Perenara stamped his future All Blacks credentials into the national consciousness against the Rebels, the 20-year-old having been widely considered unlucky not to have made Steve Hansen's extended All Blacks training squad.

The lively Perenara appeared to have a point to prove as he sniped around the fringes, set his backline away with crisp passing and bamboozled the Rebels defence with intelligent kicking.

The bonus-point victory kept alive the Hurricanes slim hopes of making the top-six play-offs, as they moved to 40 points and into provisional seventh place in the standings.

The Rebels did not help themselves with terrible ball retention at the breakdown and an inability to adapt their defensive pattern as the home side mixed up their attack.

Hurricanes fly half Beauden Barrett was flawless converting all nine tries and slotting an early penalty for 21 points, which gave him 158 for the season, surpassing the record 152 that John Preston scored in 1997 for the Wellington-based franchise.

The victory was also the most points the Hurricanes had scored in a match, surpassing the 64-32 they achieved against Northern Transvaal in 1997.

Aside from Beale's injury, inside centre Lachlan Mitchell was knocked unconscious in a crunching tackle by replacement Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu'u, which held up play for several minutes in the second half.

Hurricanes: 66 (J Savea 3, A Leiua 2, A Taylor 2, J Lam, C Eaton tries; B Barrett 9 cons, pen)

Rebels: 24 (C Vuna 2, A Freier tries; K Beale con, pen; R Kingi con)

Reuters/ABC

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, new-zealand, melbourne-3000

First posted May 26, 2012 17:24:15

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Rebels snare Higginbotham from Reds

Updated May 18, 2012 13:28:26

Wallabies flanker Scott Higginbotham has signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels.

Higginbotham, 25, who was an integral part of Queensland's Super Rugby title win last year, will leave the Reds at the end of the season and move south for 2013.

In a statement, Rebels head coach Damien Hill said Melbourne was pleased to be able to add a player with Higginbotham's skills to the team.

"He's had an exciting last couple of seasons where he's proved to be an aggressive, hard-working player, excelling as a ball-runner with the versatility of covering (number) six and eight," Hill said.

"We believe Scott is a player whose best football is in front of him, he is without doubt a player on the rise, and we're all very excited about the news he will be joining us next season."

The Western Australian native made his Super Rugby debut in 2008 against the Bulls.

Two years later he came off the bench for Australia against France in Paris for his first of 11 international caps.

He has scored a total of 16 tries for the Reds - this year his highlights included a double in the win over the Brumbies in round seven at Lang Park, and a try in last week's victory over the Chiefs at home.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, melbourne-3000, brisbane-4000, vic, qld, australia

First posted May 18, 2012 13:28:26

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Rebels slay Crusaders

Updated May 12, 2012 22:22:45

Melbourne Rebels posted the most significant victory of their short history by upsetting Super Rugby heavyweights the Crusaders 28-19 at AAMI Park.

The Rebels, who had won only two matches going into the fixture, trailed 19-10 at half-time with the Crusaders enjoying the upper hand, but two penalties to Kurtley Beale cut the deficit back to three points.

Nick Phipps then scored his second try of the match in the 67th minute to put the Rebels ahead, before club captain Stirling Mortlock crossed only two minutes later to ice the stunning victory in front of more than 18,000 spectators.

The comeback in the second half was even more remarkable in that they kept the Crusaders scoreless.

The Crusaders' shock loss weakened their position in the top six and was compounded by an injury to number eight enforcer Kieran Read, who limped off the turf gingerly during the second half after a heavy fall in a line-out.

Read had started from the reserves bench as part of the Crusaders' player rotation.

"We said that we'd set a bit of standard how we wanted to play the game," Rebels matchday Gareth Delve said, referring to his team's gallant loss to the Bulls in their previous match.

"To hold a fantastic team like the Crusaders scoreless in the second half is amazing and shows that we're making some progress.

"The confidence is building in this team and it makes such a massive difference."

The hosts started brightly with Phipps snatching the ball out of a ruck near the posts and breaching the Crusaders defence with a low dive over the line in the 12th minute.

Fly half Tom Taylor, who kicked the Crusaders to a tight win over reigning champions Queensland last week, slotted two penalty goals to steady the visitors.

The Crusaders struck 10 minutes before the break, spreading the ball wide to full-back Tom Marshall who made a dart for the left corner but was pulled down in a tackle two metres shy of the line.

Lock Sam Whitelock thundered in to scoop up the ball, however, and cantered over unopposed to put the Crusaders in front, with Taylor adding the conversion and another two penalty goals to extend the lead to nine points at half-time.

The Rebels lifted their efforts after the break, gleaning two penalty goals to Beale who kicked the home side to within three points in the 55th minute.

With tension rising to fever pitch, veteran back Mark Gerrard charged through a pack of players and shipped the ball inside to Phipps, who streamed over next to the right post to put the Rebels in front with 14 minutes left.

Former Wallabies captain Mortlock, a late substitute, intercepted an ill-directed pass from Owen Franks and fed winger Cooper Vuna, who was held up just before the line.

Vuna's offload found Mortlock, who cantered over for the sealing try to spark thunderous cheers from the terraces.

The Rebels' defence, traditionally their Achilles heel, stayed resolute for the final 10 minutes and Richie McCaw fumbled the ball after the siren to conclude the match and cap a disappointing night for the Crusaders' captain in his first start of the season.

Rebels: 28 (N Phipps (2), S Mortlock tries; K Beale 2 cons, 3 pens)

Crusaders: 19 (S Whitelock try; T Taylor con, 4 pens)

ABC/Reuters

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted May 12, 2012 21:21:52

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Bulls hold off gutsy Rebels

Updated May 04, 2012 22:08:56

Melbourne Rebels produced a spirited performance despite going down 41-35 to the Bulls at AAMI Park.

Both sides showed a willingness to attack at times with each scoring five tries but its was the boot of Bulls fly half Morne Steyn that proved the difference, courtesy of two penalties goal.

The win moves the Bulls back to the top of the South African conference with a 7-2 return from their nine matches, while the result was the Rebels' seventh defeat of the season.

Steyn produced another metronomic goalkicking display, slotting 16 points in addition to scoring a try and setting up two others, as the Bulls won their fourth successive match.

"It was pretty exciting from the stands, high intensity, good attacking from both sides, maybe not the best defensively from us but good to get the win," Bulls captain Pierre Spies said.

"We needed these points."

The match was one of milestones for the Rebels, with Mark Gerrard making his 100th Super Rugby appearance, while Stirling Mortlock was making his first of the season from the reserves bench after he recovered from a long-standing calf injury.

It was also their first match since they parted ways with enigmatic fly half Danny Cipriani, who has returned to England early. The former England international has signed with Sale for next season.

The first half was helter-skelter as both sides secured a bonus point by scoring four tries each with Rebels captain Gareth Delve crashing over after the hooter had sounded to vindicate his decision not to take a penalty shot at goal and ensure the match was evenly poised with the Bulls leading 31-28.

The second period, however, failed to live up to the first as both sides adopted a more conservative, patterned approach for the first 20 minutes before Steyn's deft chip kick ahead was gathered by JJ Engelbrecht to crash over and break the shackles.

Cooper Vuna struck back immediately for the Rebels for his second try, with Kurtley Beale adding his fifth conversion, before Steyn slotted a 72nd minute penalty for the Bulls to give them a 41-35 lead that they held until the final whistle.

The Bulls now have 42 points on the South African conference standings, one ahead of the Stormers, who have bye this round.

The Rebels are fourth in the Australia conference, three points ahead of Western Force, who play away to the Cheetahs on Sunday morning (AEST).

Bulls: 41 (A Ndungane, B Basson, M Steyn, CJ Stander, JJ Englebrecht tries; Steyn 5 cons, 2 pens)

Rebels: 35 (C Vuna (2), R Blake, N Phipps, G Delve tries; K Beale 5 cons)

ABC/Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted May 04, 2012 21:27:17

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No conspiracy in Rebels departure: Cipriani

Updated May 04, 2012 07:57:26

Danny Cipriani insists there was no hidden reason behind him breaking short his contract with the Melbourne Rebels.

The Rebels announced on Monday that they and the England international had mutually agreed to cut short his time in Australia so he could return to play with the Sale Sharks in England.

Rumours circulated about reasons for him leaving midway through the Super Rugby season, a move that leaves the Rebels short of options at number ten, but Cipriani insists there is nothing to be read into this.

''Of course there's going to be conspiracies, and when has there not been, but there's nothing to it,'' Cipriani told Fox Sports.

''I just think it was best for my career to do this and I've just opened up a spot for other people to fight for their place for next season.''

Cipriani tweeted afterwards that he was in tears telling his team-mates about the news.

''It wasn't like I was balling in tears, but just by saying goodbye to everyone it was a difficult thing to do,'' he said.

''I haven't really had to do that before.''

Cipriani's playboy lifestyle famously got him offside with former England coach Martin Johnson and was reported to have led to tensions with his Rebels team-mates but he insists this was never the case.

''You'd read things which weren't true in the media that 'the boys had stood you down' and stuff - that wasn't true,'' Cipriani said.

Cipriani now hopes to play a part for England in the 2012-13 season and then the British Lions tour of Australia in 2013.

"I now think I can do it and I've got the Rebels to thank for that."

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, melbourne-3000, england

First posted May 04, 2012 07:15:45

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Rebels lose Saffy for the season

Updated May 02, 2012 07:48:37

Rebels flanker Jarrod Saffy has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

An MRI after Melbourne's round nine loss to the Waratahs showed Saffy had a bulging disc in his neck.

Doctors advised the 27-year-old rugby league convert to sit out the rest of the season.

"Jarrod will be a massive loss for the side, his transition into Super Rugby has been impressive and he is an integral part of the squad," said coach Damien Hill.

"There is always an obvious concern with these type of injuries, but we look forward to Jarrod returning for the 2013 season."

The Rebels host the Bulls this Friday night at AAMI Park with centre James O'Connor still unable to play after lacertaing his liver and fly half Danny Cipriani leaving the club on the weekend.

Tags: super-12, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 02, 2012 07:47:30

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Cipriani and Rebels part ways

Updated April 30, 2012 17:41:34

Melbourne Rebels have announced that import fly half Danny Cipriani will leave the Super Rugby club immediately.

The 24-year-old Englishman and the club have parted ways mutually.

"Danny goes with our blessing and we thank him for his contribution to our club during his time here," Rebels chief executive Steve Boland said in a club statement.

"Essentially the time is right for both parties to part company, the decision is amicable and we wish him all the best for the future."

Cipriani, who has played seven Tests for England, had been set to leave the Rebels at the end of the season after signing with the Sale Sharks in northern England.

"I want to thank the club for being so understanding with my wishes and granting me a release to return to England," Cipriani said in a club statement.

"I've made no secret of my desire to play for England again and I believe leaving now will give me the best opportunity to do that.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Melbourne at the Rebels. I've made some lifelong friends, played in front of an incredible set of fans in an amazing stadium, and improved my game playing in one of the best provincial rugby competitions in the world.

"I feel I have developed my game in my time in Australia and become a more complete player.

"I wish the Rebels every success in the future and should the opportunity ever arise again I would not hesitate to return."

Cipriani was a marquee signing for the fledgling Rebels in their inaugural season but he had a troubled first year with Melbourne in 2011 and was sidelined for a month due to off-field disciplinary issues.

But the Englishman appeared more settled this season, seemingly relishing his growing combination with Wallabies backline stars James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale.

However his form was not good in his last match and there was talk of him being relegated to the bench.

Rebels coach Damien Hill said he expects Cipriani to excel again at the international level.

"When we signed Danny we were always aware of his ambitions to return to the English national team and we have always been supportive of helping him achieve his goals," said Hill.

"Danny believes that leaving now will give him the best chance to prepare for the long season ahead with Sale."

It is a blow for the Rebels, who have lost O'Connor until June after he suffered liver damage in their last-start loss to New South Wales Waratahs.

But in some good news for the struggling Rebels skipper Stirling Mortlock will make his first appearance of the season against the Bulls on Friday night.

Mortlock, who turns 35 next month, hasn't played due to ongoing calf problems but was able to get through an intensive running session and is set to lead his team again.

"He ran really well and he'll take part this week, all things being equal," Hill said.

"I'm not sure whether he will be starting or come off the bench but he's ticked every box he needs to tick."

ABC/AAP

Tags: super-rugby, sport, rugby-union, australia, melbourne-3000

First posted April 30, 2012 15:48:14

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Brumbies rein in Rebels

Updated April 15, 2012 07:00:27

The Brumbies halted a two-match losing streak and maintained their place on top of the Australian conference with a 37-6 win over Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium.

The home side burst out of the blocks to secure a bonus point with four tries before half-time, at which point they led 30-6.

They sealed the win in the second term with Scott Fardy crossing for his second try of the evening, the victory moving the Brumbies to a 4-3 record from their seven matches.

The bonus point win allowed the Brumbies to stay ahead New South Wales and Queensland on top of the Australian conference and kept them in contention to finish in the top two and host a semi-final.

They were far too strong for a disappointing Rebels outfit, who were a shadow of the team that overwhelmed the Blues the week before.

Under new coach Jake White, the young Brumbies recovered well from their recent loss to Queensland and were never threatened by the visitors from Melbourne.

"We weren't happy the way we played last week," Brumbies captain Ben Mowen said.

"The training during the week was good and obviously the first 40 minutes tonight laid the platform."

The Brumbies dominated territory and possession from the outset and were rewarded with two Christian Lealiifano penalties in the opening 10 minutes.

The Rebels hardly touched the ball in the early stages but they struck back after 15 minutes with a massive 53-metre penalty from Danny Cipriani.

But the Brumbies responded immediately when inside centre Pat McCabe brushed aside fellow Wallabies James O'Connor to score under the posts.

O'Connor replied with a penalty, only for the Brumbies to seize control with tries for flanker Michael Hooper and lock Scott Fardy, both coming from sloppy defending around the edge of the rucks.

Things went from bad to worse for the Rebels when captain Gareth Delve was shown the yellow card for persistent offences.

During his 10 minutes off the field the Brumbies scored a fourth try when Mowen steamed onto an inside ball from McCabe to touch down beside the posts.

The Rebels were far more committed in the second half and tried hard to break down the Brumbies defence, but a series of unforced errors continually handed the advantage back to the home side.

The Brumbies absorbed everything the Rebels threw at them, then had the final say when Fardy crashed over for his second try.

The Rebels face the Waratahs in Sydney next weekend, while the Brumbies their two-match trek to South Africa with a meeting against the Bulls in Pretoria.

Brumbies: 37 (S Fardy 2, M Hooper, P McCabe, B Mowen tries C Lealiifano 3 cons, 2 pens)

Rebels 6 (D Cipriani, J O'Connor pens)

AFP/ABC

Tags: sport, super-rugby, rugby-union, canberra-2600

First posted April 14, 2012 21:25:00

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O'Connor back at 10 for Rebels

Updated March 28, 2012 13:26:35

Rebels star James O'Connor will have his work cut out when he returns at playmaker against the Highlanders in their Invercargill Super Rugby fortress on Friday night.

O'Connor (hamstring) was named on Wednesday to come back in place of injured Englishman Danny Cipriani at fly half for the daunting assignment at the bottom of New Zealand's South Island.

Cipriani suffered a hamstring injury of his own while playing a starring role in the Rebels' first win of the season over Force last Friday night.

O'Connor joins Wallabies full-back Kurtley Beale (calf) in returning to the starting XV to play behind an unchanged forward pack.

Unheralded pairing Lachlan Mitchell and Lloyd Johansson get another chance to develop their centre partnership after impressing against the Force.

One of the form teams in 2012, the Highlanders have delighted home fans with their all-out attacking game playing in their new closed-roof stadium in Dunedin, instead of the old "House of Pain", Carisbrook.

But the Rebels will not enjoy the luxury of those firm, dry and windless conditions.

They have to play at Rugby Park in Invercargill where visiting teams typically strike the cold, wet and muddy conditions.

Rebels coach Damien Hill says his squad is up for the challenge.

"They (the Highlanders) are four from five this year and playing really good football, but the team's very confident," Hill said.

"It's a hard place to play, but we're all looking forward to it."

Rebels squad:

Kurtley Beale, Mark Gerrard, Lachlan Mitchell, Lloyd Johansson, Cooper Vuna, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve (captain), Tom Chamberlain, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Adam Freier, Nic Henderson

Reserves: Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake, Alister Campbell, Michael Lipman, Nic Stirzaker, James Hilgendorf, Julian Huxley

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, new-zealand

First posted March 28, 2012 13:26:35

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Rebels star cited after Highlanders defeat

Updated March 31, 2012 18:01:04

Melbourne's Cooper Vuna has become the latest Australian winger to be cited for a dangerous tackle.

Former rugby league utility Vuna lifted Highlanders winger Kade Poki, whose shoulder hit the ground first, in the 56th minute of Friday's 43-12 loss in Invercargill.

Although referee Marius Jonker penalised Vuna at the time, he did not issue the former Newcastle Knights and Warriors NRL star a card.

However, the citing commissioner deemed the tackle worthy of a red card after watching footage of the incident and the case will now be heard by SANZAR duty judicial officer Mike Heron.

Melbourne centre Lloyd Johansson also got into trouble for a lifting tackle on James Haskell earlier in the game.

But no further action was taken against Johansson following the white card referral, with the sanctions at the time deemed to be sufficient punishment.

Just under two weeks ago, Wallabies star Digby Ioane was given a five-week suspension - effectively a four-game ban with a bye - after the Reds winger pleaded guilty to lifting Sharks flanker Marcell Coetzee.

Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Damien Hill insists the Rebels are heading in the right direction despite their fourth loss in five fixtures and another deflating defeat on overseas soil.

The loss to the Highlanders was the Rebels' fifth in as many offshore games since they entered the competition last year and they have conceded at least 38 points in each of those matches.

Despite Melbourne conceding seven tries, Hill still praised his team for some of its defensive efforts.

He was looking for improvement in tackling and kicking for next Thursday's home game against the Blues though.

"Our defence needs to be more consistently low and our kicking needs to be more accurate," Hill said.

"When opportunities arise, we need to be able to take them.

"Overall they are working hard and they are moving in the right direction.

"We just need to get better at a few things."

The Rebels made a good start, leading 9-0 and 12-7, with gun backs James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale both looking sharp upon their return from injury.

O'Connor kicked four penalties from as many attempts but later tweeted he could not remember any of the Rebels' calls after being accidentally kneed in the head by Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison in the 14th minute.

The Highlanders scored two tries before half-time to go in 12-12 at the break and piled on 31 unanswered points in the second half.

With a short turnaround before the Blues' game at AAMI Park, Melbourne will have a very light week on the training track, according to Hill.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted March 31, 2012 17:05:15

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Rebels have Byrnes ban overturned

Updated March 22, 2012 20:07:28

Melbourne Rebels lock Adam Byrnes' 10-week suspension from Super Rugby has been overturned by a SANZAR appeals committee.

Byrnes was banned by a judiciary officer who found him guilty of dangerous play in making contact with New South Wales Waratahs centre Tom Carter's eye area during the teams' round two clash on March 2.

"I have been playing Rugby Union for 20 years and throughout this time, I have never been suspended or received a red card. I certainly play the game with a competitive spirit, but I know that I have always done so within the rules," Byrnes said.

"The allegation levelled against me was of an extremely serious nature and is something that has no place in Rugby Union. To be cleared of this charge is a tremendous relief for myself and my family."

The three-man appeals committee chaired by Nicholas Davidson has found there was insufficient proof to sustain the charge.

"This was a serious allegation and must be clearly established on the balance of probabilities," SANZAR said in a statement.

The appeals committee said its examination of the evidence included extensive "but inconclusive" video footage from the match.

"Applying the standard of proof required under the rules, the appeal committee concluded that it could not be said that a breach of the laws occurred to the requisite standard as an act of recklessness which involved contact with the eye area.

"In the circumstances, the appeal was allowed and the sanction was set aside."

The initial judiciary hearing rejected the notion that Byrnes' action was eye-gouging or constituted an intentional attack.

But he was deemed to have acted dangerously in applying a headlock to Carter, which involved recklessness in making contact with the eye area.

The appeals committee first dismissed a submission by the Rebels that the judicial officer was wrong to amend detail of the citing which originally alleged an attack to the eyes as the players were getting up after clearing out.

Tully considered video footage before the players fell to ground, not as they were getting up, and that founded his decision to impose the ban.

The committee said there was no unfairness in the process adopted.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted March 22, 2012 16:19:10

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Rebels hold on to pip Force

Updated March 23, 2012 22:36:55

A dream came true for Melbourne Rebels winger Mark Gerrard, who slotted a penalty to give his gutsy side a 30-29 win over the Western Force in their Super Rugby clash.

The fans at AAMI Park held their breath as it appeared the Rebels were set for more heart-break after they surrendered a 21-0 lead.

But Gerrard got his chance at glory in the 72nd minute after Force skipper David Pocock was penalised at the break-down.

"I've done it in my dreams a stack of times," the veteran said after the match.

"I looked across at Hux (Julian Huxley) and James (Hilgendorf) and they both shook their head so I said, 'I'll have a crack'."

As well as a stern Force fightback the Rebels were forced to overcome injuries to their playmakers James O'Connor and Danny Cipriani before and during the match.

Wallaby O'Connor withdrew before the match after damaging his hamstring during the week at training while Cipriani grasped at his own hamstring as he scored a try in the 22nd minute and left the field soon after.

The Force took a 29-27 lead in the 64th minute after full-back Dave Harvey converted a Nick Cummins try and the Rebels looked like stretching their winless streak of 12 straight losses.

But Pocock was penalised at the ruck and Gerrard stepped up after Cipriani and Huxley shared the earlier kicking duties.

Skipper Gareth Delve said the team had learnt from their loss after the final hooter to the Cheetahs last round.

"You learn a lot from losses and that came through in the final five," Delve said.

"I was really proud of the way the lads worked."

Before his departure mercurial Englishman Cipriani had his best match of the season, and the Rebels their best start.

They scored three tries in the opening 22 minutes, through centres Lachlan Mitchell and Lloyd Johansson, and then Cipriani's effort.

Despite the best efforts of his replacement Hilgendorf, the Rebels did not have the same verve in attack after they lost Cipriani and their defence became ragged.

The visitors got on the scoreboard twice within five minutes through Pocock and then centre Winston Stanley.

Melbourne still led 24-12 at half-time but the Force struck three minutes into the second half through winger Alfie Mafie, who beat at least four defenders to touch down.

Force captain Pocock was disappointed his side did not go back-to-back after their 21-20 win over New South Wales last round and lamented their slow start.

"We let them get off to a flyer and they capitalised on their opportunities," Pocock said.

He said he did not think there was much in his costly penalty.

"It was one of those ones; sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't," he said.

Rebels: 30 (D Cipriani, L Johansson, L Mitchell tries; Cipriani 3/3 conversions, J Huxley 2, Mark Gerrard penalty goals)

Force: 29 (N Cummins, A Mafi, D Pocock, W Stanley tries; D Harvey 3/4 conversions, penalty goal)

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, perth-6000, wa

First posted March 23, 2012 21:24:13

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Brumbies make six changes for Rebels

Updated April 12, 2012 16:38:36

The Brumbies are beefing up their back row ahead of their vital clash against Melbourne Rebels on Saturday, naming 120kg strongman Fotu Auelua at number eight to make his Super Rugby debut.

It is one of six changes coach Jake White has made to the side that went down last week to the defending champions Queensland.

Auelua's inclusion has pushed captain Ben Mowen to blindside at the expense of Peter Kimlin, who will start from the bench, while Scott Fardy has been brought back into the starting line-up to combine at lock with Sam Carter.

Tevita Kuridrani has also claimed his first run-on start after being named at outside centre over the hard-working Andrew Smith.

Smith will warm a place on the bench along with Ita Vaea, who has been replaced at number seven for the Rebels game by the promising Michael Hooper.

The match - the Brumbies' last at home before a two-week trip to South Africa - also signals the much-awaited return of Robbie Coleman, who went down with a groin injury in the season-opening win against Western Force.

He will start on the bench, with White saying he could be brought on in a variety of positions in the backs.

White has also chosen to rest Wallabies prop Ben Alexander, which gives Ruaidri Murphy his second run-on start of the season.

Meanwhile, the Rebels have named an unchanged backline for the first time this season for the trip to the nation's capital.

Rebels playmaker James O'Connor was man of the match in last week's win over the Blues and will line up at inside centre with English import Danny Cipriani at five-eighth and Kurtley Beale at full-back.

The Rebels will be without injured hooker Adam Freier (calf) while Ged Robinson comes in to the run-on side at hooker with Luke Holmes as reserve rake.

Luke Jones switches from the second row to blindside breakaway, with Jarrod Saffy moving from blindside to openside breakaway and Michael Lipman dropping to the bench.

Al Campbell comes off the bench in the second-row.

Prop Eddie Aholelei has been named on the bench with Rod Blake at tighthead following the shoulder injury to Laurie Weeks last round.

Brumbies:

Jesse Mogg, Joe Tomane, Tevita Kuridrani, Pat McCabe, Henry Speight, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White, Fotu Auelua, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ruaidri Murphy. Res: Anthony Hegarty, Ben Alexander, Peter Kimlin, Ita Vaea, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman, Andrew Smith.

Rebels:

Kurtley Beale, Lachlan Mitchell, Mitch Inman, James O'Connor, Mark Gerrard, Danny Cipriani, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve (capt), Jarrod Saffy, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Al Campbell, Rodney Blake, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson. Res: Luke Holmes, Eddie Aholelei, Michael Lipman, Tim Davidson, Richard Kingi, Julian Huxley, Lloyd Johansson.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia, melbourne-3000, vic

First posted April 12, 2012 14:58:56

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