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."
Denne historien er fra June 02, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 02, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
