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Another week of oh-so-nearly for a couple of Aussie teams against their Kiwi counterparts. After the high of last week it was near ecstasy with a double whammy but alas it was not to be. Here are how the teams rated this week:
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Rebels – A
The Rebels pulled within 1 point of the ladder leading Waratahs with their 2nd bonus point win of the season against the Sunwolves.
Jack Maddocks must wish they played them every week as his double took him to five tries in two games against the Japanese side and will really make Michael Cheika think long and hard about including him in his upcoming Wallaby squad.
The Rebels took total control of the game after conceding a third-minute try. Marika Koroibete’s hat-trick was a highlight and Reece Hodge was almost perfect from the tee. The conference will be going down to the wire.
Waratahs – C
They nearly did it again. The Tahs can feel hard done by having a seemingly perfectly good try chalked off and then conceding another try after the final hooter but once again it is a story of what could have been.
They got off to the perfect start going 14-0 up but once again couldn’t hold the lead. This is where the best teams don’t let you off the hook.
After blowing a 29 point lead in Christchurch their fans will be annoyed again they didn’t play smarter rugby to ensure that the Chiefs were not allowed to get properly back in the game. The late try took the bonus point away from them which was deserved but that is rugby.
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Reds – C
The Queenslanders nearly recorded their first win over New Zealand opposition since 2016.
They would have targeted an under-strength Highlanders outfit. Although still chock-a-block with talent, seven of their eight players named in the All Blacks squad didn’t start and Ben Smith wasn’t even in the squad.
A 78th minute Lima Sopoaga penalty won the game for the ‘Landers but the Reds will feel this was one that got away. They will take heart from this performance after the close run in Wellington last week, but, like the Tah’s they will dream of what could have been.
Brumbies – A
A superb win in South Africa for the men from the capital.
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They certainly did it the hard way with their second red card in as many weeks. This time hooker Folau Faingaa for a headbutt. The score at the time was 28-24 to the home side and you would be forgiven for thinking that this would head in the same way as the Lions game the week before.
You couldn’t have been more wrong as the team rallied superbly to score two converted tries in 4 minutes and leave the Loftus with the points.
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