Close enough isn’t good enough for Melbourne Rebels skipper Scott Higginbotham.
A 51-point turnaround didn’t satisfy the Rebels, who were kicking themselves after blowing a chance to beat the Super Rugby-leading Sharks.
The Rebels fell 22-16 at AAMI Park – in stark contrast to the record 64-7 drubbing by the Sharks in the corresponding match in Durban last season.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to knock off the top team and there’s no-one else to blame but ourselves,” Higginbotham said.
“We lost that game; I don’t think they won it so it’s disappointing.”
The Rebels dominated the game stats but were left ruing poor execution with the ball going to ground on many attacking raids.
The Sharks’ sole try came after a Rebels turnover and they counter-attacked with winger JP Pietersen picking up the points.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said it was testimony to the team’s new-found self-belief that they were gutted not to beat the competition leaders.
“You see the disappointment with myself and Scott and the group about where we are now, to be disappointed to not beat the top side,” he said.
“We’re in the fight now but we need to start turning these in.”
Higginbotham felt they weren’t far off becoming contenders themselves.
“We’re obviously playing some good football and we’re doing a lot of hard work to get into good positions, it’s just that next step,” he said.
The Sharks next face Australian conference leaders the Brumbies, which will be coach Jake White’s first game back in Canberra since his shock departure late last year.
White said he was looking forward to facing the team that he remembered fondly.
“I’m really looking forward to going to Canberra because I’ve got fond memories from there,” White said.
“I had some wonderful times there and have some great mates who are playing for the Brumbies.
“Hopefully it will be a top of the table clash which make me immensely proud to know that I was part of both these teams.”
© AAP 2014
