Super Rugby
Rebels frustrated by penalties
ESPN Staff
May 10, 2014
Bryce Hegarty of the Rebels dives over for a try, Rebels v Hurricanes, Super Rugby, AAMI Park, Melbourne, May 9, 2014
Bryce Hegarty scored one of the Rebels' two tries © Getty Images
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Melbourne Rebels insist they don't have a discipline problem despite conceding penalties that cruelled their chances of defeating the Hurricanes at AAMI Park on Friday. The Rebels trailed by just two points at half-time, 12-10, but they were then penalised six times in succession at the breakdown in the opening 13 minutes of the second half and the Hurricanes won by 10 points.

Mitch Inman, who was responsible for one of those penalties, said the team was puzzled by the interpretation of rookie referee Matt O'Brien.

"We didn't have a clear definition of what the ref was trying to ping us for at the breakdown because that's our strong point," the centre said. "We were trying to capitalise and force the turnovers in that area, but it just wasn't going our way with a few of the calls at the maul and the breakdown."

Inman didn't think the Rebels had a discipline problem.

"We only give out on average 10 or 11 penalties, which is pretty good," he said. "I wouldn't say [discipline] is the issue. We fight and we try to counter-ruck and really hit that breakdown, and it just wasn't going our way with decisions and you can't blame that but we're a bit perplexed with what was going on in that area."

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said he had previously sought clarification from SANZAR about the breakdown, but had been frustrated by lack of feedback.

Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith said he thought O'Brien was fairly even-handed, with the penalty count finishing at 12-11, suggesting the Rebels did push the boundaries with their aggression at the breakdown.

Rebels 15-25 Hurricanes (video available only in Australia)
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