Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

'We're in a hole': Woeful Waratahs succumb to worst-ever start to Super Rugby following Rebels defeat

By Online Editors
Jack Maddocks and the Waratahs. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Waratahs skipper Rob Simmons has conceded his team are “in a hole” after their winless start to the Super Rugby season continued with a demoralising loss to the Melbourne Rebels.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Waratahs’ six-game domination of the Rebels ended with a 24-10 loss at AAMI Park, giving Melbourne their first victory of the season.

The Sydneysiders struggled in the Melbourne rain, with coach Rob Penney saying they were unable to build any pressure with 19 unforced errors, which has become a worrying trend.

Continue reading below…

Video Spacer

Simmons admitted the players were struggling after three successive losses, which is their worst ever start to a Super Rugby season.

“I think we all know we’re in a hole, we’re zero and three,” Simmons said.

“There’s no way out of it except to fight our way out so we have to stick in there and keep learning and keep fronting up week to week.

“We’re trying to learn from each week and grow and improve. It was disappointing as we had a good chance to make an improvement and we let ourselves down.

“We’re doing some good things but then we let it slip.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale looked most likely to create something through the match but was guilty of some costly handling errors.

Their new halves combination of Will Harrison and Jake Gordon were also outplayed by Matt Toomua, who had his best match in Rebels colours, and Ryan Louwrens.

With a bye next week, Penney felt only time and hard work would solve their woes and help build confidence.

“There’s a group there that’s lacking a bit of confidence which is understandable so it won’t be a revolution,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It will just be picking bodies and minds up and trying to get them in a position where they feel they can contribute meaningfully.

They at least emerged unscathed on the injury front.

– AAP

In other news:

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

FEATURE
FEATURE Juan Ignacio Brex: 'Italy made history, but it's not enough' Juan Ignacio Brex: 'Italy made history, but it's not enough'
Search