Five Rebels Selected In Melbourne Bledisloe

Tue, Sep 13, 2022, 3:01 AM
Rebels Media
by Rebels Media

Five Melbourne Rebels have been selected in Dave Rennie's squad for Thursday's opening Bledisloe encounter at Marvel Stadium including Victorian pair Rob Leota and Pone Fa'amausili.

Joining them are Rebels teammates Matt Philip and Reece Hodge, while Andrew Kellaway will start at fullback after an impressive showing against the Springboks.

71-Test Wallaby Bernard Foley has been selected for his first Test since 2019, named at flyhalf after Noah Lolesio was ruled out of the match.

He's one of eight changes to the Wallabies run-on side made, with Foley to partner NSW Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon in the halves, who starts in the number nine jersey for the first time this year.

James Slipper will lead the side out in his 122nd Test, which takes him to outright third on the list of most-capped Wallabies behind George Gregan (139) and Stephen Moore (129). 

He'll combine with hooker David Porecki, who returns to the starting side, and Allan Alaalatoa who is named at tighthead prop.

The versatility of Jed Holloway allows him to start at lock for the first time in his Test career, partnering Rebels vice-captain Matt Philip in the second row.

An all Melbourne-born backrow sees Rob Leota return as the starting blindside flanker, Pete Samu earn his first start of the 2022 campaign at openside and Rob Valetini in the familiar number eight jersey.

The fleet footed Lalakai Foketi gets another opportunity to partner Len Ikitau in the midfield, at inside and outside centre respectively, with Hunter Paisami also unavailable for selection.

Superstar winger Marika Koroibete will bring up his 50th appearance for Australia at Marvel Stadium, named on the right wing, with Tom Wright to line up on the left edge.

Rebels flyer Andrew Kellaway returns to fullback for the clash at Marvel Stadium to round out the starting XV.

Force-bound Folau Fainga'a is the replacement hooker, named alongside loosehead prop Scott Sio and Melbourne local Pone Fa'amausili as the finishing front row.

Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight have also been named on the pine to cover the lock and backrow respectively.

Brumbies number nine Nic White will bring energy and experience as the replacement scrumhalf, while Reece Hodge's versatility will again be called upon throughout the Test. Melbourne-born Jordan Petaia completes the gameday 23.

Thursday night's Test will be the first time the Wallabies and New Zealand have met in Melbourne since 2010.

The team currently sits second on the eToro Rugby Championship ladder with two rounds remaining.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “It's great to have Bernard's experience and he brings plenty of voice and passion for the gold jersey."

"New Zealand showed their class in a massive win over Argentina last week and will come to Melbourne full of confidence.

"We're well aware of the opportunity in front of us over the next fortnight and we're extremely motivated to make the most of it."

Every Wallabies Test will be ad-free, live and on-demand with extended coverage on Stan Sport. Every home Wallabies Test will also be live, free-to-air on the Nine Network.

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