Debutants impress as Rebels hold on against Warringah

Southern Districts have overcome one of Sydney rugby’s toughest road trips to kick-start their season with a two point win over Warringah. Last years grand finalists dominated the Rats for the majority of the match, before conceding two late tries in the 26-24 victory. Flyhalf Ben Volavola was a standout for the Rebels with 21 points, including a crucial try early in the second half. Rebels coach Matt Barr acknowledged his side was underdone coming into the match and was thrilled with the result. “I said leading into the match that the basics were going to win the game,” Barr said. “Our ball control and defense, they were the main things. To keep Warringah to 10 points for most of the match was a great effort and something that really laid that platform for the win.” Barr was full of praise for his front row with Salesi Maumalanga, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Cameron Betham all stepping up following the departures of Tim Metcher and Duncan Chubb. “The guys making their debut all impressed, they certainly justified their selection,” Barr said. They were joined by Pete Camilleri and Jake Kefford, who both made their debuts from the bench. “Both those guys played twos and threes last year, so to come on against quality opposition and play the way they did was remarkable.” “We’re probably in terms of depth the best we’ve been, in terms of coverage, for a number of years. It’s really positive for us.” Southern Districts play their first home match of the season this Saturday, with Barr hoping for a more polished performance when the Rebels host Parramatta. “At this time of the year everyone’s a little bit underdone and there’s obviously structures that you’re going to work on and combinations you’ll work through over the next coming weeks to refine it and get right.”