The Melbourne Rebels have named an unchanged match day squad to tackle the Lions at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
It’s marks the first time Melbourne has carried the same 23 man squad for consecutive matches since 2015, something Rebels Captain Dane Haylett-Petty believes is a testament to his rapidly improving side.
“Everyone turned up [last week], did their bit and stayed on task, so I think it’s great those boys get rewarded for that and get another go.”
Spirits are high for the Rebels, following the club’s stirring 28-22 victory over the Highlanders last week – Melbourne’s first ever victory in Dunedin.
The result also saw the Rebels become the first Australian club to defeat the Highlanders in New Zealand in thirteen Super Rugby games, something the seventy-eight-game veteran was immensely proud of.
“Definitely one of the most satisfying wins – it’s not an easy place to go and play and go and get a result.
“They put us under a lot of pressure, but we were able to survive it and I thought we managed it quite well in the second half.
“I think we just showed a lot of heart."
This week the club shifts its focus to a South African side plagued by inconsistency, dropping to 1 – 4 record this season, following last week’s 29 -17 loss to the Waratahs.
Despite a heavy loss in personnel, Haylett-Petty maintains this is a Lions side not to be taken lightly.
“They’ve lost a bit of experience.”
“But they’re very good up front - as all South African teams are - and they’ve got some very dangerous backs.
“Their outside backs are probably their greatest strengths if we give them space.
“There’s some challenges to deal with, but the main thing we’re focused on is us and getting better just a little bit every week and not worry so much about the outcome.”
It promises to be a huge day for the Melbourne faithful in more ways than one, with popular lock Matt Philip due to play his 50th Super Rugby game on his 26th birthday.
Haylett-Petty was full of praise for his towering teammate.
“The boys love him around the playing group. “He’s a pretty dominant ball carrier and he’s done a great job for us.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play with him since his debut, right at the beginning, so it’s a great achievement for him."
A win on Saturday would see the Rebels capture their third win in four games, entering the bye with a 3 – 3 overall record.
With this season’s competition being more open than previous years, Haylett-Petty stressed the importance on maintaining consistency, while continuing to build as a group.
“I think the whole competition is pretty open – it’s the closest it’s ever been.
“This is a crucial couple of weeks for us; we need to keep improving and taking points when we can.
“The Lions have had a lot of success over the last couple of seasons.
“So, we’re looking forward to this weekend and hopefully getting some revenge back.”
Super Rugby Round 6: Melbourne Rebels v Lions, Saturday March 7, AAMI Park.
|
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 Toomua (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: |
|
|
|
In order from Hooker to Full Back - Please see notes 2/3 |
||
|
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 |
