Rebels turn focus in search of finals berth
BACK-ROWER Josh Kemeny believes that the Rebels need to improve their red-zone execution if they wish to break their slump and book their place in the finals.
The Rebels have failed to record a win since Round Five, falling to the Reds and Force at home.
Despite this, Dave Wessels’ men still control their destiny as they sit in third spot, needing wins over the Brumbies and Waratahs to ensure their place in the finals.
However, if they wish to book their finals place for a second consecutive season, they must improve their execution in the final 22 according to Kemeny, starting with today’s clash with the Brumbies at AAMI Park.
The stats seem to back this sentiment up, with the club scoring a comp-low eight tries across their six games, tied with the Force.
Speaking in Wallabies camp during the week, Kemeny believes that their current slump can be put down to their inability to finish their attacking opportunities.
“I think we’re creating a lot of opportunities, I think something we need to do is executing when we get into those danger zones into the 22,” he told the media.
“If we can do that I think we’re defending well, we’re sticking to our plans as well. So I think coming against the Brumbies this week, if we stick to our plan and we execute and come away with points when we create those opportunities, that’ll put us in good stead.”
The call-up for Kemeny caps a remarkable rise for the Sydney Uni product, joining the Rebels at the end of 2019.
The 22-year-old admits that added familiarity and confidence at the Super Rugby level has allowed him to play his best football and push for International selection.
“I think just confidence,” he suggests.