As they made their way onto AAMI Park for the last time this season, perhaps ever, Kevin Foote’s side ran through a banner: “Always fighting, always Rebels,” it read.
How very apt given their fight in the rain on Friday night, as they fell just short against one of the competition front-runners, the Chiefs, 26-23.
After the Chiefs ran out to a 23-11 lead after 52 minutes, two tries to winger Lachie Anderson and a sideline conversion from Nick Jooste saw the Rebels level it up after 75 minutes.
But a late penalty to Damian McKenzie in the 79th minute and some scramble defence saw the Chiefs seal a dramatic and emotional filled victory.
“You’ve got to give it to the Rebels, they came out in that second half and really put it to us,” said McKenzie, who was superb for the Chiefs on a night where plenty of ball was spilt by his forward pack.
“We were probably our own worst enemy, dropped balls and not capitalising on opportunities, but I’m also very proud of our defensive efforts.
“It’s never easy coming over to Melbourne, particularly against a team like the Rebels that fight until the end. I’m stoked we got the win. It wasn’t pretty, but we’ll take it.”
Tupou Vaa’I scored a try in the first half during their narrow win over the Rebels at AAMI Park on May 17, 2024. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Rebels prop Matt Gibbon, who started after Isaac Kailea withdrew, summed up the difficulties the Melbourne-based franchise is facing as they fight for their future to continue in Super Rugby beyond 2024.
“A bit going on really,” he told Stephen Hoiles on Stan.
“Obviously, we lost a few boys to injury: we’ve got Kells [Andrew Kellaway] out, we’ve got Nella [Taniela Tupou] out, but I think the boys just stepped up throughout the week. We really had our coach driving us.
“With all the stuff going on, that could have been our last game at AAMI for the foreseeable future, so there was a lot of energy and emotion.
“It was a great week with what’s been thrown at us. But what are you going to do, three points down and still a loss.”
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