Reece Hodge scored 18 points as the Rebels secured a 33-10 win over the Brumbies in Melbourne on Friday. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Another week, another largely uninspiring Australian derby. These sort of contests are about as predictable as they are detrimental to a competition that is battling to retain relevance and spectator appeal in a congested rugby calendar.

Having said that, the Rebels have at least found a way to justify their retention in Super Rugby, with this bonus-point victory strengthening their position at the top of the Australian conference. Yet, one has two wonder what has happened to the former two-time champion Brumbies.

The Rebels came under immense pressure early on in this clash, with ill-discipline enabling the Brumbies to spend the opening exchanges camped in opposition territory.

It was also as a result of repeated infringements that Rebels hooker Jordan Uelese was eventually sent to the sin bin, and almost immediately after his removal from action, Brumbies winger Chance Peni was put away to score in the corner.

However, the Rebels slowly worked their way back into the clash as they began to dominate the gainline battle, with Amanaki Mafi proving to be particularly effective.

Deservedly, it was the big No 8 who would power over from the back of a dominant scrum to score against the base of the post in the 29th minute, while a try soon after to Hodge suddenly saw the Rebels open up a 14-5 advantage.

During a forgettable third quarter, the Rebels had a big let off when fullback Dane Haylett-Petty avoided a card despite taking out a player in the air.

From the subsequent penalty, though, the Brumbies set up an attacking lineout, and after possession was recycled, winger Henry Speight went over to score to reduce the deficit to four points.

Nevertheless, the result swung emphatically back in favour of the Rebels as Hodge, Jack Maddocks and Michael Ruru all went over to score in quick succession to make the final scoreline look extremely flattering.

Rebels – Tries: Amanaki Mafi, Reece Hodge (2), Jack Maddocks, Michael Ruru. Conversions: Reece Hodge (4).
Brumbies – Tries: Chance Peni, Henry Speight.

Rebels –  15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Tom English (c), 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Will Genia, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Angus Cottrell, 6 Lopeti Timani, 5 Ross Haylett-Petty, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Tetera Faulkner.
Subs: 16 Anaru Rangi, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Colby Fainga’a, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Billy Meakes, 23 Marika Koroibete.

Brumbies – 15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Chance Peni, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Lolo Fakaosilea, 6 Lachlan McCaffrey, 5 Sam Carter (c), 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Scott Sio.
Subs: 16 Folau Faingaa, 17 Faalelei Sione, 18 Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 19 Richie Arnold, 20 Tom Cusack, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Wharenui Hawera, 23 Andy Muirhead.

Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images