Super Rugby 2015: Melbourne Rebels score historic victory over ACT Brumbies in Canberra

THE Melbourne Rebels have won consecutive matches for the first time in their history, defeating the ACT Brumbies on a soggy night in Canberra.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Sefanaia Naivalu of the Rebels is congratulated after scoring a try during the round 10 Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Rebels at GIO Stadium on April 18, 2015 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE’s season of firsts last night reached stunning new heights when it rocked the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium.

Posting their first win in the national capital, Melbourne posted a desperate 13-8 victory in a watershed shock of the second-placed Brumbies.

The Brumbies had won their past 11 matches at home, creating a fortress mentality in one of Australian rugby’s most famous strongholds.

RE-LIVE THE ACTION INCLUDING STATS AND VIDEO IN MATCH CENTRE

Sefanaia Naivalu of the Rebels scores a try.

But Melbourne was more than equal to the surroundings, out-slogging and out-smarting decorated opponents in hostile territory.

The triumph gave the Rebels their fourth first of the season as they kept alive finals hopes with a brave, dogged effort.

Melbourne had never won abroad, never succeeded in consecutive away matches, never won in Christchurch nor Canberra - until this season.

It has now - and Tony McGahan’s troops are desperate to close even more gaps in the club’s CV before season’s end.

Henry Speight hit back for the Brumbies just before half time.

Held scoreless after half-time in greasy, wet conditions, the Rebels helped All Black Tamati Ellison celebrate his 100th Super Rugby match in appropriate fashion.

The Rebels produced excellent wet weather football to lead 13-5 at half-time.

Faced with a Brumbies outfit without Wallabies Nic White, Matt Toomua and Jesse Mogg, the Rebels were superior in every facet.

Melbourne’s forwards eclipsed an international pack led by Wallabies captain Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy and David Pocock.

Their strength and discipline - the Brumbies did not earn a penalty until the 31st minute - was outstanding as Lopeti Timani repeatedly ruffled opposition feathers with crunching hits.

Tamati Ellison and Nick Stirzaker of the Rebels celebrate their historic victory.

Luke Jones, Paul Alo-Emile, Toby Smith and Pat Leafa worked doggedly to lay a platform for backrowers Scott Higginbotham, Scott Fuglistaller and Sean McMahon.

And Melbourne’s emerging backline talents shone in steady rain.

Flyhalf Jack Debreczeni’s penetrating kicking and Nic Stirzaker acceleration and cunning at both the scrum and breakdown kept Melbourne ahead.

Winger Sefanaia Naivalu’s blistering try came directly from a Stirzaker solo run.

Flanked by the experience of Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English and Mike Harris, the young Rebels’ trio constantly threatened the Brumbies.

The Rebels celebrate thir first win in Canberra.

The Brumbies established an important foothold after the half-time siren sounded as Henry Speight charged over before Stirzaker charged down and deflected Christian Lealiifano’s conversion attempt.

They carried the momentum deep into the second phase, particularly through rolling mauls.

But Melbourne’s defence and application was magnificent.

The victory perfectly sets the scene for next week’s clash with reigning champion NSW in Sydney - now the only Australian centre where the Rebels remain winless.

REBELS 13 (Sefanaia Naivalu try Mike Harris con 2 pens) bt BRUMBIES 8 (Henry Speight try Christian Leali’ifano pen) at GIO Stadium. Referee: Angus Gardner. Crowd: 7,531.

BRUMBIES (1-15): JP Smith, Stephen Moore. Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, David Pocock, Jarrad Butler, Michael Dowsett, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Nigel Ah Wong, Henry Speight, Lausii Taliauli, Robbie Coleman

Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Blake Enever, Ita Vaea, Jordan Smiler, Nic White, Rodney Iona

REBELS (1-15): Toby Smith, Pat Leafa, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Jones, Lopeti Timani, Sean McMahon, Scott Fuglistaller, Scott Higginbotham, Nic Stirzaker, Jack Debreczeni, Sefanaia Naivalu, Mitch Inman, Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Mike Harris.

Reserves: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Tim Metcher, Cadeyrn Neville, Colby Fainga’a, Jordy Reid, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty.

Originally published as Super Rugby 2015: Melbourne Rebels score historic victory over ACT Brumbies in Canberra