The Melbourne Rebels have today revealed their Round 5 Team to face the Highlanders in Dunedin this Friday night.
In a welcome boost for the Rebels, Wallaby Matt To’omua returns to the team after missing last weeks match with a groin complaint.
Also returning to the starting XV are stalwarts Anaru Rangi and Angus Cottrell, as well as giant lock Gideon Koegelenberg who will be making his Super Rugby run-on debut.
Headlining the strong bench is the returning Jordan Uelese, who makes his first appearance on the a rugby field since the World Cup in Japan.
Assistant Coach Kevin Foote was pleased to see to return of so many experienced players into the lineup.
“Matty had an awesome game agaisnt the Waratahs and showed his leadership,” explained Foote.
“And really, really special for Jordan who’s coming back from injury after the World Cup; a big body, really good scrummager, (a) set piece forward so good depth to be adding to the squad.
“Anaru has always been a really good starter so he just took some time off. He flagged a few niggles last week and we know we have to look after the player, make sure he’s OK.
“Now he comes back to the starting lienup and brings a lot of energy, especially in his defence.
“Gideon (Koegelenberg) gets a start which is well deserved. Obviosuly coming from South Africa, very physical, enjoys the maul, very good scrummager.
“And also just work ethic and really good around the boys. He’s really settled in nicely to Melbourne."
Dunedin was the scene of heartbreak two years ago, when the Highlanders thrilling 43-37 victory cruelly denied the Rebels a place in the post season.
The Rebels would have their revenge though, prevailing over the Kiwi team 24-19 in Melbourne last year.
Foote understands better than most the attacking threat the men from the south island pose.
“They can play with a lot of width so if you get narrow on them they will expose you out wide so we got to be conscious of that and you also have to be conscious of the trick plays they come up with.
“If you switch off for a second they will probably expose you so we got to make sure we don’t get caught with our pants down.”
The Rebels tackle the Highlanders in Dunedin this Friday at 5pm.
No. |
Position |
Name |
1 |
LOOSEHEAD PROP |
Matt Gibbon |
2 |
HOOKER |
Anaru Rangi |
3 |
TIGHTHEAD PROP |
Jermaine Ainsley |
4 |
LEFT LOCK |
Gideon Koegelenberg |
5 |
RIGHT LOCK |
Matt Philip |
6 |
LEFT FLANKER |
Angus Cottrell (VC) |
7 |
RIGHT FLANKER |
Richard Hardwick |
8 |
NUMBER EIGHT |
Isi Naisarani |
9 |
SCRUMHALF |
Ryan Louwrens |
10 |
FLYHALF |
Matt To'omua (VC) |
11 |
LEFT WING |
Marika Koroibete |
12 |
INSIDE CENTRE |
Billy Meakes |
13 |
OUTSIDE CENTRE |
Tom English |
14 |
RIGHT WING |
Andrew Kellaway |
15 |
FULLBACK |
Dane Haylett-Petty © |
Replacements: |
|
|
16. |
RESERVE Hooker |
Jordan Uelese |
17. |
RESERVE LHP |
Cameron Orr |
18. |
RESERVE THP |
Cabous Eloff |
19. |
RESERVE |
Ross Haylett-Petty |
20. |
RESERVE |
Rob Leota |
21. |
RESERVE |
Frank Lomani |
22. |
RESERVE |
Michael Wells |
23. |
RESERVE |
Andrew Deegan |