The Melbourne Rebels will be chasing a third straight Weary Dunlop win today, when they clash with the NSW Waratahs in Round 5 of the Super Rugby Pacific.
The Rebels will play at the SCG for the first time since 2020’s 24-10 win over their Australian archrivals.
Melbourne enters the clash full of confidence following an improved second-half performance against the Brumbies and will be buoyed by the return of Richard Hardwick to the starting line-up, in what is the popular clubman’s 50th game in Rebels colours.
After arriving at The Stockade in 2018, the Australian International quickly became one of the Rebels’ most respected voices, and a great mentor to a number of the Club’s rising stars.
Hardwick’s promotion was one of six changes to this week’s Match Day 23 with Young Tonumaipea joining Hardwick in the starting XV, while Matt Gibbon James Tuttle and Sam Wallis also return.
Stacey Ili has been named for his third game of the season and will be looking for a repeat of last year’s scintillating performance in Sydney in which the thirty-year-old scored the fastest try in Rebels’ history.
After arriving in Sydney last night, Melbourne Rebels hooker Jordan Uelese said his teammates were excited for today’s clash.
“For us this week’s been all about enjoyment and going back to the roots of why we started playing rugby this week,” said Uelese.
“This is a very important week for our Club – playing for the Weary Dunlop shield which means a lot to everyone at the Rebels, as a Victorian side and representing the people there.
“We had a really strong week of training, so we’re really trying to enjoy this weekend and will be looking to grab that W and come home with the shield.”
Uelese and his teammates will be joined by the Rebels Super W side in what will be their first ever match at the iconic SCG.
Our women’s side will enter the Round 3 blockbuster riding a wave of confidence following last week’s inspiring comeback against the Brumbies.
Rebels Super W Head Coach Alana Thomas has made three changes to this week's team, bringing in the experienced Nuala O'Connor and Claire Ryan to her starting XV, while Tyra Boysen will make her Super W debut.
Don’t miss a minute of today’s doubleheader live on Stan Sports and 9 Gem! Our women’s coverage kicks off at 5:00 pm before the men do battle at 7:45 pm (AEDT).
