20 Feb 2011

Waratahs thrash Rebels

12:08 pm on 20 February 2011

The new Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby side has been beaten 43-0 by New South Wales in their opening match in Melbourne.

The Waratahs led 10-0 at half-time and ran in seven tries in a ruthless display.

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell and fullback Kurtley Beale both scored a brace as the Waratahs handed the Rebels, the 15th team in the expanded SANZAR championship, a lesson in finishing.

The Rebels had completely dominated possession in the first half but were unable to get any penetration and made to pay for their profligacy when the visitors finally shed their early nerves and hit their stride.