The Rebels have announced their Round 12 team to take on the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday. Head Coach Kevin Foote has backed last week’s pack, looking to focus on pressure in the contact zone and providing an early platform for their multi-phase attack.
Isaac Kailea maintains his position as first choice loosehead prop among the Rebels starting side, lining up with Jordan Uelese and the powerful Taniela Tupou. The starting front row have maintained their positions from the previous match-up against the Blues, with Kailea and Taniela featuring well at home, with big shifts in defence and carrying well with ball in hand.
Angelo Smith and Josh Canham pair up in the second row, as part of the engine room to support at set piece. A standout in a tough match up, Canham shifted gears and has brought a new level of physicality to his game in recent weeks, maturing with every game he plays for his home team.
The back row of Josh Kemeny, Vailoini Ekuasi and Rob Leota are set to create opportunities in transition across the field, and will be looking to combat whatever the Reds pack bring to the physical contest in Brisbane.
Ryan Louwrens and Carter Gordon make up the halves, connecting with a changed midfield, seeing Nick Jooste move to inside centre and Filipo Daugunu on his outside.
Darby Lancaster locks down another start, with the pacey winger demonstrating not only his speed but work rate since his debut. Lachie Anderson starts on the opposite side, with Andrew Kellaway continuing his run of form at fullback.
Alex Mafi moves into the reserve hooker spot, alongside Cabous Eloff and Sam Talakai to make up a strong front row option for the second half against a heavy Reds pack.
Tuaina Taii Tualima pairs with Maciu Nabolakasi to make up the remaining impact for the forwards.
Jack Maunder takes the 21 jersey with the scrum half looking to establish himself as game changer from the bench. Jake Strachan lines up alongside winger Glen Vaihu who has proven finishing ability and will be looked at as an option to bring some fire late in the game.
The Melbourne Rebels take on the Reds in Round 12 of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off at 7:35PM AEST, Friday, May 10 at Suncorp Stadium. The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sports.
Starting Team
1. Isaac Kailea
2. Jordan Uelese
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Angelo Smith
5. Josh Canham
6. Josh Kemeny
7. VaioliniI Ekuasi
8. Rob Leota (c)
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Carter Gordon
11. Darby Lancaster
12. Nick Jooste
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Lachie Anderson
15. Andrew Kellaway
Reserves
16. Alex Mafi
17. Cabous Eloff
18. Sam Talakai
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima
20. Maciu Nabolakasi
21. Jack Maunder
22. Jake Strachan
23. Glen Vaihu
