The Melbourne Rebels have wrapped uptheir off-season campaign claiming their third straight win, as the Clubcontinues to grow its on-field connection and comradery ahead of thefast-approaching 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. Following back-to-back wins overVictoria’s best state players and the Brumbies in Albury, Melbourne’soff-season training block culminated with a five-day trip to Japan, where theRebels celebrated their market-leading alliance with the Hanazono KintetsuLiners, by playing out a hard-fought but highly entertaining game in Osaka. On a hot autumn’s day, the Rebelsimpressed under fierce pressure from the home side, with Lachie Andersoncrashing over to open Melbourne’s account in the 20th minute, beforeslick passing from Cullin Cooper-Jones and Monty Ioane led to Richard Hardwickrunning through his first of two tries. After an intense opening forty-minutes,the Rebels surged away in the second half, registering 19-points in just 9minutes, with Hardwick, Ioane and Josh Kemeny all scoring.The tourists weren’t done yet, withVictorian Isaac Aedo Kailea scoring his first try of the off-season, beforespeedster Joe Pincus showed why he was primed for a big second year at TheStockade, with an impressive breakaway try in the 72nd minute. The Rebels wrapped up the thrillingaffair, winning 50-17, before coming together with Liners players to celebratethe historic occasion with a jersey exchange and post-game function as players,coaches and staff toasted to the two Club’s market-leading friendship. Melbourne Rebels Head Coach, Kevin Foote,said the tour was a highly beneficial experience for the entire Rebels playinggroup. “ It’s been a huge experience for us as –we’re trying to build a spirit at the Rebels that the players play for eachother, so to have a tour like this where the players get to get away to abeautiful culture, that opportunity is really important,” said Foote. “To see Sam Talakai lead our players – alot of whom had never left Australia – through Japan and protect them wasgreat. It’s been a really special time for all of us to connect both on and offthe field.”The overseas experience served as anopportunity to build personal growth and strengthen the squad’s Team Work Index(TWI), with players immersing themselves in Japanese culture, exploring theOsaka community and engaging with fans and the next generation of Hanazono KintetsuLiners, through Academy Clinics and taking part in the Liners traditional Walkto School “Eye Guard” program, which saw Rebels players welcome students toschool alongside Liners players, teachers and parents. Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby, NickStiles, said it was a fantastic ending to a strong month of growth, which sawthe Rebels win three-straight matches against quality opposition. “It’s been an amazing trip for our players. The ability toconnect with the people and culture of Osaka and Japan was so rewarding for theentire group, and something that will hold us in good stead for next season,”said Stiles. “It was a phenomenal experience to deepen our ties with thelocal community and show our gratitude for their support, and great thatSaturday’s game was so entertaining and kept the fans cheering through thematch.”“The week was a major celebration for both the MelbourneRebels and the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, and coming together to toast theamazing friendship our two Clubs have built, the Liners promotion to JapanLeague One and the future our two Clubs have ahead.”“Finishing the week with a win was a great way to end whathas been an important block for our Club. We’ve done all we can to get valuablematch practice in to our players and build our TWI, so we’re really pleased towin three games in a row, both at home, interstate, and overseas.”“It’s a great launching pad for our pre-season which beginsin three weeks’ time.”Click Here: factory direct sale
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