Super Rugby Pacific round-up
They face a considerable challenge in the quarter-finals though, with the Hurricanes having picked the Blues' pocket to finish top of the table.
Following a difficult run of form for the Rebels in the back end of the league season, no doubt influenced by the five months of an increasing sense of financial dread that was finally confirmed this week, they were given a reprieve by Western Force, whose failure to win their last two games ensured the Rebels' strong mid-season run will be rewarded with a first-ever playoff run in the club's 14th and final season.
However, having suffered six losses on the bounce, their quarterfinal away to the table-topping Hurricanes could be a gruesome end to the club's life. They finished off the league season with a 40-19 loss to Fijian Drua, a result that deserves a significant amount of perspective given the players were informed of their liquidation just before their flight to Fiji, with Rugby Australia deeming the rescue package proposed to save the club too optimistic, with insufficient details included to explain how the club could repay the $23m owed to creditors.
Speaking before the game, Rebels coach Kevin Foote said: "[The room was] deadly silent, just absolute devastation, noone said a word. We've really got the opportunity to finish strong ... we're going to hold our heads high and have a crack."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
