Rugby: Rebel's yell muted by sombre scenes

Greg Somerville of the Rebels. Photo / Getty Images

The relief was palpable for Greg Somerville when Danny Cipriani nailed the Melbourne Rebels' match-winning penalty, yet a highlight of the former All Black prop's rugby career was still tempered by the scenes of devastation back in Christchurch.

A six-time Super rugby title winner with the Crusaders, the minute's silence observed before Friday's opening second round contest against the Brumbies at Melbourne's AAMI Park was particularly poignant for Somerville and another former Crusader and Canterbury representative-turned-Rebel, lock Kevin O'Neill.

The duo had been engrossed in coverage of Tuesday's massive earthquake and although family, friends and teammates are all safe, it was only scant consolation as the distressing images dominated news bulletins in Australia.

"It's pretty harrowing to watch what's happened to a city you love.

"You have a special bond with Cantabrians with the support they've given us," Somerville said.

Although not yet privy to the missing person's list, Somerville believed his friends had escaped the carnage which claimed one current Crusaders board member, chartered accountant Phil McDonald.

"You feel for what they're going through," he said.

"There's still a lot of friends and people you know of back there through rugby and life."

Somerville's wife had a couple of aunties in the city whose houses are "a bit stuffed up" while O'Neill's family members in Christchurch have relocated to a farm on the outskirts.

He also co-owns a bar inside the cordoned off "four avenues" with Crusaders and All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn. Damage was extensive where the tavern is located on Fitzgerald Ave.

Somerville said he had texted a couple of former teammates but had not expected extensive replies.

"You don't really expect a response back because they've got so much to deal with," he said.

Meanwhile, Somerville was predictably pleased with the Rebels 25-24 victory over the two-time champion Brumbies -- the shock of the season after the Rebels were blanked 43-0 by the Waratahs in their Super rugby debut last weekend.

"It's good to get that bogey off our backs now," the 66-test front rower said.

"A lot of people thought we'd go through the season without winning so we've dealt with that issue now."

"The week before was a bit of a shocker, the occasion got to us (against the Waratahs). Last week the build-up felt normal."

At least until Tuesday lunchtime in Christchurch.

- NZPA