Super Rugby Pacific Quarter-Final 2024 - Hurricanes 47-20 Melbourne Rebels - 08/06/2024

The Hurricanes locked in a semi-final clash against the Chiefs next Saturday after a comfortable victory against the Melbourne Rebels on an emotional evening in the capital.

The Hurricanes scored seven tries to beat the Rebels on Saturday night and put a stop to their lofty dreams of staying alive for another week before inevitable termination of the franchise.

Rebels, playing on a wave of emotion, surprised the Hurricanes by a determined and dogged start and were rewarded with the opening try of the game thanks to Lachie Anderson.

The Hurricanes scored just two tries in the first half, one before both teams retreated to the changing rooms for their halftime, and appeared nervous and lacked cohesion for long periods perhaps weighed down by the expectation of their fans.

After the break however it was a different story with a triple-whammy of tries after the game re-started, as forwards Brayden Iose, Asafo Aumua and Devon Flanders ran in tries for the home side to open-up a 29 point lead.

Rebels to their credit didnt give up and delivered a quick fire double-punch; right wing Lachie Anderson scored two tries within a couple of minutes, forcing the Hurricanes to refocus quickly.

The Rebels however were brave throughout, and seemed to be eager, to put up a couple of fingers in the direction of the administrators. The Rebels entered the contest with seriously admirable mindset; they defended their line like men possessed, keeping the Hurricanes scoreless in the opening 20 minutes for the first time this season.

It is often said when desperation, emotion and courage combine, you get results; the Rebels proved that, as they made almost 70 tackles to the Hurricanes' 18 prior to the break. The Hurricanes' replacement players Du'Plessis Kirifi and Kini Naholo however put the final nail in the coffin.

The Hurricanes will have to be more clinical to beat The Chiefs in next week's semi-final. The Blues take on the Brumbies in the other semi-final.

Result:

Hurricanes 47-20 Melbourne Rebels

Photo's were taken for Speed Media AU / Icon Sports Wire

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