Last evening we witnessed the inaugural game from the Melbourne REBELS who were playing the NSW Waratahs. For a sporting city like Melbourne this was always going to be an event that would be followed by the numerous expats from the rugby states and the many Brits etc that live here.
The REBELS with a collection of older (and past their prime) with some youth were matched against arguably a contender for the Super 15 title. NSW boasting a team full of Wallabies were never threatened by the new franchise.
However there was a moment in the first 5 minutes where the ball was controlled and they looked to be a disciplined side; however two yellow cards were evidence that Rod McQueen has much ahead of him to make this a champion team.
The REBELS have a logo which uses the 5 stars from the Eureka Flag -- from the Eureka Rebellion at Ballarat. As history shows this was a struggle for democracy and nationalism which was unsuccessful. Even to this day there is arguments for using the southern cross with the design of a new flag for Australia.
This theme of underdog is certainly a card that the REBELS are using and they also used the
Les Miserables song (Do you hear the people sing?) based on the French Revolution in an attempt to stir the crowd.
REBELS REBELS REBELS.....was a chant that started as 41-0 score with 5 minutes to go. There is a spirit and the crowd was willing the team forward -- not bad spirit for an initial foray.
The season is not over yet....we don't have a revolution yet; just the start of a rebellion !
And the REBELS will now have my support at the remaining home games.
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