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Underperforming Rebels could face the swing of the axe for the Wallabies

By Online Editors
Quade Cooper after the Rebels' defeat to the Chiefs. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Melbourne’s Reece Hodge concedes their horror Super Rugby season capitulation could cost the Rebels players Wallabies’ World Cup spots.

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The Rebels lost seven of their last nine matches, blowing the final round clash with the Chiefs 59-8, which cost them a maiden finals appearance.

In the penultimate round they also had a shocker, losing 66-0 to the Crusaders.

It was in stark contrast to flying start, unbeaten in the opening four rounds with well over a dozen players looking in contention for a Test call-up.

Now the only players who could feel confident are halfback Will Genia, five-eighth Matt Toomua, utility backs Hodge and Dane Haylett-Petty, winger Marika Koroibete and lock Adam Coleman.

Those who face an anxious wait include Jack Maddocks, Billy Meakes, Luke Jones, Matt Philip, Isi Naisairani, Quade Cooper, Richard Hardwick, Jordan Uelese and Jermaine Ainsley.

Hodge, who has 33 caps, said the dip in form could have sele ction ramifications.

“I know myself – I’ve been horrible the last couple of weeks,” the 24-year-old said.

“I’m filthy about it and if it costs me my spot then I have to live with that.

“We come here to win for the Rebels and if selections happen down the track then that’s the coach’s prerogative.”

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While Melbourne coach Dave Wessels said the team was “soft” Hodge described them as “inconsistent” and was baffled about their mid to late season slide.

“I don’t think there has been one player in our squad who has been consistently at their best every game,” Hodge said.

“If one or two or three guys are off every week then that’s going to cost the team.”

While seven wins equalled their best ever result from their nine seasons, they carried much more expectation this year given the depth of talent at Wessel’s disposal.

“Inconsistency in our last two seasons is pretty apparent and we haven’t deserved to make the finals either season as we couldn’t finish the season strongly,” Hodge admitted.

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“The review process starts straight away on Monday and next year we have got to be better and have a more complete season rather than just starting well.”

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Ed the Duck 3 hours ago
How Leinster neutralised 'long-in-the-tooth' La Rochelle

Hey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂

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FEATURE How Leinster neutralised 'long-in-the-tooth' La Rochelle How Leinster neutralised 'long-in-the-tooth' La Rochelle
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