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The Hurricanes will continue through to a home semi-final – but they had their work cut out against a resilient Melbourne Rebels.
The 47-20 scoreline suggests a one-sided affair, however anyone who watched knew it was anything but.
The hosts were heavy favourites coming into the match, and with over 65% possession, many were stunned that they only led 14-6 at halftime, as the Rebels finals gee-up over the week saw them put on a heroic defensive display, plus cause all sorts of problems at the lineout and scrum.
However, as the second half the realities of their season caught up with the visitors, as defensive fatigue combined with the Canes’ impressive depth finally saw the home side reap the reward for their attacking tenacity to run out to a 35-6 lead.
Carter Gordon of the Rebels and Brett Cameron of the Hurricanes compete for a loose ball during the Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final match between Hurricanes and Melbourne Rebels at Sky Stadium, on June 08, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
The Rebels finally got some ball in the second half and saw a double to Lachie Anderson, which saw the visitors potentially in line for a photo finish.
However, two late tries to Du’Plessis Kirifi and Kini Naholo put the result beyond doubt for the home side.
Emotions quickly boiled over at full time, with players, fans and the coaching staff all close to tears at the realisation the season – and the Rebels, for the foreseeable future – was over.
However, despite the result, captain Rob Leota was proud of the effort.
“This was our goal from the start of the year,” he said post-match.
“We were talking about being the greatest Rebels team ever, so to make the finals.
“Obviously losing, we’re not satisfied with that, but we had high hopes to go further. But when you give a quality opposition like the Hurricanes opportunities like that, it’s hard to come back, so congrats to the Canes.”
Several players, including former captain Brad Wilkin and Lachie Anderson, struggled to hold back tears as they spoke in post-match.
“I’m proud of the team and all the coaches and the staff back home and all of our families and supporters in Melbourne,” said Leota.
“Just a quick shout out to all of them back home for supporting us in our first final series.
“For this club, we hope we did everyone proud and hopefully we can see this team come back in the next couple of years.”
Coach Kevin Foote of the Rebels hugs Ryan Louwrens after the Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final match between Hurricanes and Melbourne Rebels at Sky Stadium, on June 08, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
The Rebels were acknowledged by the Hurricanes’ Jordie Barrett in post-match, who admitted that they had to work to get the result.
“I just want to acknowledge the Rebels as a franchise,” said Barrett.
“Since joining Super Rugby, they’ve always been a joy to play against, players, staff and fans. So, we wish all their fans, coaches and players, all the best in whatever direction they go. They’ve always been a joy.
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“We got disrupted a little bit in that first half, but we’re under no illusion that a challenge was gonna come from the Rebels this week. Emotional side, a lot to play for, and we’re always gonna be up for it in that first 20 or 30 minutes.
“So, it was just pleasing. We wrestled back a bit of momentum after half-time and got into the game.”
The Hurricanes will go on to host a home semi-final next week, where they will likely face the Chiefs, pending any other surprise results this evening.
While this match will likely be the last time the Rebels will take the field for the foreseeable future, a legal challenge is likely looming between the Board of Directors and Rugby Australia, which is set to be played out in the coming months.
Filipo Daugunu and Lachie Anderson of the Rebels react after the final whistle in the Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final match between Hurricanes and Melbourne Rebels at Sky Stadium, on June 08, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
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