Share

Reds edge tough Rebels

Brisbane - Defending champions Queensland Reds remain unbeaten after three Super 15 games but were taken all the way in their 11-6 victory over a gutsy Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Reds scored the only try of a fierce Australian derby through right-winger Dominic Shipperley in the 54th minute after the Rebels took a 6-3 lead at half-time.

The Rebels, wooden spooners in their inaugural season last year, ripped into the Reds and smothered Queensland's attack for long periods, but did not have the cutting edge to earn more than two James O'Connor penalty goals.

Queensland stepped up the tempo in the second half and were rewarded when Shipperley latched on to a long pass from Wallaby scrum-half Will Genia to score what proved the decisive try in the corner.

The win took the Reds to the top of the Australian Conference but on level points with the ACT Brumbies, who beat the Central Cheetahs 24-23 in the final minute in Canberra earlier Saturday.

The Reds were scheduled to leave early Sunday for South Africa for two matches, starting with the Coastal Sharks in Durban next Saturday.

"We didn't hold on to the ball in the first half, but when we held on it in the second half and played more rugby we looked a bit better and blew a couple of opportunities," Reds' skipper James Horwill said.

"In the end you've just got to keep winning and we've won three from three now and that's a good start to the year and we head to South Africa for two tough games over there."

It was a much improved performance from Melbourne after being well beaten by the NSW Waratahs 35-19 last week.

"It shows we've come a long way and we're really disappointed with that," the Rebels' Welsh skipper Gareth Delve said.

"To push the champions on their home ground in front of a great crowd that close and still be disappointed shows that we're going in the right direction."

Wallaby fullback Kurtley Beale made his first appearance for the Rebels since switching from the Waratahs and impressed with his solid defence, while English fly-half Danny Cipriani was subbed midway through the second half, allowing O'Connor to move into number ten.

Fly-half Mike Harris had less impact for the Reds than his haul of 25 points in the previous week's win over Western Force and finished with just two penalties in his five attempts at goal.

The Rebels now have two home matches, beginning with the Cheetahs next weekend.

Scorers:

Reds 

Try: Dom Shipperley. Penalties: Mike Harris (2)

Rebels 

Penalties: James O` Connor (2)
 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE