Five crucial debate issues for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific 2024
Rebels supporters, however, are dreaming high because to Kevin Foote’s excellent off-season acquisitions, which include Taniela Tupou, a big-name signing.In light of this, rugby.com.au examines the Melbourne Rebels’ top five talking topics for 2024.
1. No Excuses
With all the resources at their disposal, the Melbourne Rebels can win in Super Rugby Pacific.They have an impressive ten, a pack laden with Wallaby, and a plenty of weapons in the backs.The outcomes have to appear now.Although the Rebels missed the finals in both of their previous seasons, Kevin Foote’s team is now accustomed to playing in the championship game.They proved they could compete with the Kiwi teams, but they were unable to take that significant victory. This year is the ideal time to do it.
2. Using the Tongan Thor
Getting the most out of Taniela Tupou is essential to achieving the aforementioned goals.The Rebels weren’t short with tighthead props but when a guy like Taniela Tupou becomes available, you can’t say no.When he’s on his game, he’s one of the greatest props ever, but maintaining him in the park is crucial.He was sidelined for the whole 2023 Super Rugby season and only made it through one match in France before another injury claimed his life.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, a Wallaby and lock, joins Tupou at the Rebels; if the Rebels are to advance, the two must take the lead.
3. Carter Gordon and overcoming World Cup scars
As a member of the “fast and fearless” rugby brand, Carter Gordon emerged as the Rebels’ breakthrough player in 2023.The Rebels and Gordon were at their peak, tearing apart defenses with their erratic, quick-witted onslaught.
But the unanswered issue is: How much of him was depleted by the World Cup? Gordon was thrown in at the deep end and had moments of success before Ben Donaldson unexpectedly took his position.The teenage flyhalf has already been given a warm welcome by Foote and the Rebels coaching staff, but it will be interesting to see how he returns to Super Rugby and continues to play for the Rebels.
4. Will Toole be the next?
The Rebels are hopeful that new Sevens player Darby Lancaster can make an impression in 2024 akin to that of Corey Toole. Lancaster is the most recent addition to the club’s pool of recruits from the Sevens program; she just had a breakthrough year on the circuit.
In the U20 World Championships’ 15-a-side match, he had flashes of brilliance, tearing past the Junior Wallabies’ defenses.Lachie Anderson and Joe Pincus will put a lot of pressure on Lancaster; Anderson is making an impression for Australia A and the Barbarians.
5. Coming out on top in the close race
The Rebels’ incapacity to seal significant victories remained a problem in 2023.They led comfortably into the second half of their crushing losses to the Blues and Crusaders, but they lost five games by seven points or fewer.The team’s improved caliber and expertise will assist address this.