Rebels looking to deliver on Super Rugby promise
Melbourne feel they have the game plan to challenge any Super Rugby Pacific rival but are letting themselves down when the pressure is
on, according to Rebels winger Lachie Anderson.
The Rebels have put another frustrating loss behind them to focus on a must-win match against the
Highlanders on Saturday.
The Rebels and Highlanders are locked on 15 points, both outside the finals-bound top eight with three rounds to play.
The Rebels aren’t dwelling on the mathematics of their finals hopes with Anderson saying delivering a full 80-minute performance is their priority.
Against the NSW Waratahs last round they led 14-0 only to blow multiple attacking opportunities en route to a 38-20 loss.
“It was disappointing to not get the result we were after as we probably put ourselves in the position to win that game but left a few opportunities out there,” Anderson said on Tuesday.
“We’ve reviewed that hard and taken our learnings but there’s a real good feeling in the group and we had a great training session today so we’re looking ahead to the Highlanders.
“It’s been a rollercoaster season where we’ve had our ups and downs and we’re chasing an 80-minute performance, but we’re only talking a five per cent effort here in certain areas and we’re closing those games out so we’re really confident in the place we’re in.”
Melbourne have won three of their last four Super meetings against the Highlanders although the men from the south island have claimed five of their past six clashes when they’ve hosted the Rebels. Former Sevens star Anderson, who recently signed a new twoyear deal with the Rebels, said his team believe they have the game plan to beat any team as long as they execute.
“We’re playing a really great attacking style of rugby this year and we’re really enjoying that ... we’re not going back to the drawing board each week to try and figure out a new game plan on how to win games, we’re not that far off the mark.
“We feel that everything’s in our control and we’re taking it one week at a time - we’re not talking about finals, we’re just looking to the Highlanders and we’re going there to win.”