Entertaining ... Rebels defenders try to tackle Force flyer Alfi Mafi. Source: Justin Benson-Cooper / News Limited
Western Force lock Hugh McMeniman injured his shoulder as the Melbourne Rebels snapped a five-game losing streak with a 30-23 Super Rugby triumph at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
The Rebels opened up a 15-0 lead inside 20 minutes, but had to hold off a fierce Force fightback to secure their second win of the season and jump off the bottom of the Australian conference.
| 3 Tries 4 | |
|---|---|
| Winston Stanley 33' | Hugh Pyle 8' |
| Will Tupou 59' | Jason Woodward 18' |
| Pat Dellit 66' | Richard Kingi 49' |
| Jason Woodward 69' | |
| 1 Conversions2 | |
| Kyle Godwin 60' | James O'Connor 20' |
| James O'Connor 71' | |
| 2 Penalties2 | |
| Sias Ebersohn 39' | James O'Connor 13' |
| Sias Ebersohn 40' | James O'Connor 58' |
Winger Jason Woodward scored a brace, including a beautiful chip-and-chase try in the 70th minute, while Hugh Pyle and winger Richard Kingi also went over for the visitors in the bonus-point win.
Not only did the result relegate the Force to last in the Australian conference, but they face a nervous wait to determine the extent of McMeniman's injury.
McMeniman, who had rocketed into Wallabies contention after a great start to the season, was forced off in the 42nd minute after copping a big hit to the top of his left shoulder.
The 29-year-old struggled to move his arm as he received treatment on the bench, with initial reports suggesting he may have injured his AC joint.peThe Force also lost five-eighth Sias Ebersohn early in the second half after he was accidentally headbutted by teammate Heath Tessman.
Force coach Michael Foley said he wasn't sure about the seriousness of McMeniman's injury.
"It's an AC injury, so it could be reasonably minor. But we won't know for 24 hours.''
Ebersohn (head), Alfie Mafi (hamstring cramping), prop Kieran Longbottom (head) and Salesi Ma'afu (knee) also suffered injuries.
The home side was left shellshocked early as the Rebels unleashed a flurry of attacking plays that resulted in tries to Pyle and Woodward.
Woodward's try came in comical fashion, with the winger able to stroll over untouched after Force fullback Will Tupou slipped over as he attempted to collect a grubber kick.
But the Force recovered to take control of the game, and levelled the scores up at 23-all in the 66th minute when Pat Dellit got on the end of Winston Stanley's well-weighted grubber.
Re-live the entertaining battle between the Force and Rebels with our Super Rugby Match Centre, featuring video highlights.
But man-of-the-match Woodward produced a piece of magic of his own just four minutes later to swing the momentum back Melbourne's way, with his deft chip opening up the Force's defence.
Former Force star James O'Connor missed a penalty in the dying minutes that would have made the game safe, but the Rebels survived a string of 15 phases from the Force after the final siren to secure victory.
"We toughed out a really good win. To finish off the tour with that effort was exceptionally pleasing,'' Rebels coach Damien Hill said.
"Every team goes through ups and downs, and it's about how you bounce back and what your reaction is. It was left up to those 22 players today and they did a tremendous job.''
Wallabies winger Cooper Vuna, who was sent home from the Rebels' recent tour of South Africa after getting into a punch-up with teammate Kurtley Beale, was introduced into the fray straight after half-time.
The Rebels have now won five of their six encounters against the Force, with two of those coming this season.
