Melbourne Rebels vs NSW Waratahs: Preview

Melbourne Rebels have won two of their last three Super Rugby home matches against NSW Waratahs (L1), including their most recent (33-14 in March 2021) after losing five home games in a row to them previously, however, they have never won back-to-back home games against the Waratahs.

History:

The Melbourne Rebels have lost 10 of their last 13 Super Rugby games at AAMI Park (W3); although, five of their last six games at the venue have been decided by margins of no greater than six points on the day(W2L4). On the other hand, NSW Waratahs have won five of their last six regular season Super Rugby Pacific games when playing as the away team on the day (L1) including their last three on the bounce;the last time they won more in succession away from home was a five-game streak from May 2014 to March 2015.

Interesting Facts: 

- The Melbourne Rebels have a 94% lineout success rate in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the highest of any team in the competition ;they a re also one of only two teams (also Crusaders) with a 100% scrum success rate this season.

- The NSW Waratahs have had 61% of territory this Super Rugby Pacific season,the highest rate of any team,while only the Fijian Drua (37%) have a lower territory rate than the Melbourne Rebels (44%).

- The Melbourne Rebels have won 13 mauls throughout the opening two rounds of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season– three more than any other team in the competition and one of only three sides to have logged 10 +(also Moana Pasifika –10 and Hurricanes – 10).

Players to watch:

Carter Gordon (Melbourne Rebels) has gained 18 metres per carry this Super Rugby Pacific campaign,the most of any player to have made at least 10 carries this season.

Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs) has made six line breaks after the opening two rounds of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, two more than any other player in the competition.