The NSW Waratahs have gone down to the Melbourne Rebels 24-10 in Round 3 of Vodafone Super Rugby.
Both sides were presented with tough conditions throughout, as rain fell heavily at AAMI Park.
Handling proved difficult across the evening with both teams producing a number of errors, with plenty of set piece action for the forwards as a result.
A tightly contested first half saw the Rebels go to the break just ahead, with the Tahs able to absorb plenty of pressure as the hosts dominated territory.
It was a positive start after the break, as Harry Johnson-Holmes barged over to see the Tahs briefly take the lead.
The Rebels wold respond quickly through the boot of Matt Toomua, and a late double from Andrew Kellaway put the result out of reach.
It’s a Bye in Round 4 for the Waratahs, with their next fixture against the Lions at Bankwest on Friday 28 February.
Lineups:
Rebels
1. Matt Gibbon, 2. Anaru Rangi, 3. Ruan Smith, 4. Ross Haylett-Petty, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Michael Wells, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Ryan Louwrens, 10. Matt Toomua, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Bill Meakes, 13. Campbell Magnay, 14. Reece Hodge, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty Reserves: 16. Steven Misa, 17. Cameron Orr, 18. Cabous Eloff, 19. Gideon Koegelenberg, 20. Rob Leota, 21. Angus Cottrell, 22. Frank Lomani, 23. Andrew Kellaway
Waratahs
1. Angus Bell, 2. Robbie Abel, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4. Tom Staniforth, 5. Rob Simmons (c), 6. Jed Holloway, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Jack Dempsey, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Will Harrison, 11. Jack Maddocks, 12. Karmichael Hunt, 13. Alex Newsome, 14. Cameron Clark, 15. Kurtley Beale Reserves: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick, 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Tetera Faulkner, 19. Ryan McCauley, 20. Lachlan Swinton, 21. Mitch Short, 22. Lalakai Foketi, 23. Mark Nawaqantiwase
Socials:
Johnson-Holmes gets over for the @NSWWaratahs 👏
— FOX SPORTS Rugby (@FOXRUGBY) February 14, 2020
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