Rugby: Rebels again get wobbles in second stanza

AAP

14 Apr, 2018 05:00 PM2 mins to read

The Jaguares wrap up Rebels wing Jack Maddocks. Photo / Getty Images

Rebels 22
Jaguares 25

The Rebels' second-half woes have continued to plague their Super Rugby season, with the Jaguares surging to a heartbreaking 25-22 win in yesterday's match at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

The Rebels had a chance after the fulltime siren to kick a penalty goal from in front for a certain draw, but elected to take a scrum to go for the win.

Their bold move failed, with Melbourne losing control of the ball and the Jaguares kicking it into touch.

For the third game this season, the Rebels built a strong lead - this time 19-6 - only to allow their opponents back into the match.

Melbourne did the same against the Waratahs in round five and Hurricanes in their last outing, prompting questions about their title credentials.

It looked like superstar Melbourne halfback Will Genia had done enough to orchestrate an important win, with two breaks setting up a try in each half. But Genia was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury straight after the second, scored by fullback Dane Haylett-Petty in the 49th minute, with momentum shifting against the home side.

Sebastian Canelliere crossed and the Jaguares took advantage of the Rebels, losing prop Tetera Faulkner to a yellow card, with their other wing Ramiro Moyano bouncing off the Melbourne defence to cross.

Adding in an earlier penalty strike by Argentine first five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez, the lead was closed to just one point. Although Melbourne first five-eighths Jack Debreczeni slotted a long-range goal to extend that to four, the Jaguares continued to pile on the pressure.

The Rebels eventually cracked in the 73rd minute, with their defence caught short and Pumas test playmaker Sanchez finding Olympic sevens player Bautista Ezcurra.

With Sanchez adding the extras, that gave the visitors the three-point lead and, despite Melbourne's best efforts, the Argentines' defence stood firm.

The Rebels are now off to South Africa, while the Jaguares next play the Brumbies in Canberra.