There is no doubt the best team on the day won. The Waratahs were thoroughly outclassed in the first half and while the second-half turned into an arm wrestle, the Tahs could not come up with the killer blow.
The positives for the Waratahs is that the set piece was a lot better this week but there is something missing from the 2014 champions. They seem to be missing a physical edge. The Rebels owned the breakdown, the backs crabbed too much across field and there was hesitancy in the passing game.
The Rebels took their chances and they had some ferocious ball carriers with Sean McMahon, Jordy Reid and Lopeti Timani leading the charge. Their defence at times was simply outstanding and was probably the difference between the two teams.
That's it from me. Head back to RugbyHeaven soon for all the post-match wash-up from Chris Barrett. If the comments by NSW coach Daryl Gibson at halftime is any guide, there should be some rip-snorting quotes to soak up.
The ref has spotted a knock on at the breakdown and the Rebels have won 21-17.
The ball comes out on the Rebel side but the Tahs get the penalty on halfway. The siren has sounded but this game is not over.
The Rebels get the scrum penalty. That looks like game over. I personally find those penalties really harsh. That scrum held motionless for 30 seconds before going down. The Rebels miss the long-range shot. Can they go 105 metres to win the game?
78th min: The Waratahs cough it up in good field position and the Rebels boot it down field where another mistake by Foley compounds the problem.
Back to top76th min: The Waratahs have called on their fourth hooker of the season as James Hilterbrand comes on for Hugh Roach. That's one more hooker than the Reds have had head coaches.
74th min: The Tahs are beginning to push the pass as Will Skelton knocks on. There looked like there was more than one suspicious pass in that movement so justice for the Rebels.
72nd min: Dom Shipperley cleans up after a telling tackle by Palu on Crawford cauised the Rebels some nervous moments.
GAME ON! Try to Matt Carraro. A cross field kick found Reece Robinson in front and he offloads to the outside centre who scores under the post.. Foley converts. WARATAHS 17 REBELS 21
67th min: Great defence by the Rebels. They repelled wave after wave of attackers before Jack Debreczeni boots it free.
Back to top67th min: Rebels pinged for not rolling away. The Tahs with a good kick can go right on the attack. They need some points.
65th min: The Rebels spoil the Waratahs again. Adam Thomson earned the penalty for the visitors although on that occasion I think he was a bit lucky. Looked like he played the ball on the groun.
62nd min: The crowd are booing as the Rebels get the penalty. They felt the visitors' rush defence was offside but it's the Tahs who were pinged for playing the ball on the ground.
The next big thing in Australian rugby, Andrew Kelleway, is on for his Super Rugby debut.
60th min: The match is beginning to become a bit of a knock-on fest but the Tahs are at least putting a bit of shoulder into their defence. If the Tahs score next it will be a great finish.
Back to top57th min: Cam Crawford saves the day (again). Reece Robinson kicks through and the bounce is friendly, like happy pills friendly, and Crawford literally plucks the ball out of Robinson's arms. That would have been a try and game on.
55th min: The Rebels hold on but the Tahs have the scrum feed. Another set play and another bungled pass leads to the Rebels getting the ball back.
54th min: More pressure for the Rebels. A top kick from Bernard Foley into the corner in combination with a terrific chase forces replacement half Ben Meehan to run the ball into touch five metres out.
52nd min: Dempsey crashed over after the Waratahs through forward after forward at the Rebels line. There were some telling tackles but just not enough mein on the line. Foley converts. WARATAHS 10 REBELS 21
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