Super Rugby AU: Isi Naisarani strikes in Super Time as Rebels down Force

Joe Wright

Super Rugby AU: Isi Naisarani strikes in Super Time as Rebels down Force image

A try in Super Time from Isi Naisarani secured a 25-20 win for the Rebels over Western Force in Sydney on Friday.

A closely contested Super Rugby AU encounter was level at 20-20 after 80 minutes, having been deadlocked at 10-10 at the interval.

A Jono Lance penalty put the Force ahead and Fergus Lee-Warner scored the opening try shortly after Naisarani was given a yellow card.

The Rebels responded strongly, Jordan Uelese crossing after fine build-up, and a Reece Hodge penalty levelled the scores before half-time.

MORE: Kangaroos vs. All Blacks hybrid clash in doubt as NRL clubs go cold on idea

They were ahead in the second half through Matt Toomua's penalty after Jeremy Thrush was sin-binned, but Byron Ralston went over after excellent work from Lance and Jack McGregor.

Matt Philip responded with a try and Toomua converted, but a Lance kick ensured the scores would stay level until the whistle.

It was Naisarani who proved the matchwinner in the extra period, driving over after the Rebels had built some pressure when Thrush failed to gather the kick-off.

The Rebels are four points behind the Brumbies at the top of the Australian section, with the Force rooted to the bottom with four defeats from four.

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has reported live on some of the biggest games in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup final at the end of a month in Russia.