Match Report v Rebels: A Step in the Right Direction
There’s nothing better than a home game in front of more than 10,000 people. Especially when you put 39 points on a 4th placed Rebels side. The crowds gathered at Apollo Projects Stadium to see their boys in just the third game in Christchurch this season.
While there’s still plenty of work to do in the final five weeks of the competition, the 39-0 win brought us to within touching distance of the top eight and a chance to defend our title when the finals come around.
The inaugural Anzac Weekend Round kicked off in full commemorative fanfare, the New Zealand Army Band leading the Last Post and anthems. Naturally it created a sense of occasion, even more so than the pressure put on by sitting at the bottom of the table.
Momentum was with us from the get go, thanks in many ways to a strong performance from the forwards lead by stand outs Fletcher Newell and George Bower.
Adding to their night: four of the team’s six tries were scored by forwards, Christian Lio Willie crashing over for two stellar dots. Plenty to be said for Cullen Grace’s efforts in his 50th performance, and Owen Franks scoring after being on the field for literal seconds further turned the tide against the visitors.
Fantastic to see Scott Barrett and David Havili back in the strip this week, with more returning next week. The cavalry has arrived and the fight has begun again.
The major contributor on the night was the crowd. Students in full voice and stands packed and heaving. It’s this that makes us stronger week in week out.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the wave, part of the action and part of the comeback. The team can only do so much, it’s up to you – our fans and members – to do the rest.
Next Saturday we go again against the Reds. It’s afternoon footy at it’s best, when every minute and every filled seat counts. Get your tickets now.
Korero e Hono ana
