Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Kevin Foote has named his game day 23 to face the Queensland Reds for Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific 2024.
Returning from Hamilton with back-to-back wins and momentum in their favour, the squad take on their Australian rivals in a Friday night thriller at AAMI park.
Headlining the starting XV, Taniela Tupou makes his second start for the season, rotating to the number 3 jersey after a dominant display on the road. Coming on in the second half, the tighthead prop helped win his team multiple scrum penalties and was crucial in gaining ascendancy at set piece and across the park.
Lining up with the standout Jordan Uelese and Matt Gibbon in the front row, Tupou knows what it is going to take to get a win over his old club. "Coming into this week I don't want to look at it and make it personal, I will just try and focus on what we do here and do whatever it takes to get us the win," explained Tupou.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham continue their partnership in the second row, with flankers Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi and captain Rob Leota leading the side from 8.
Ryan Louwrens and Carter Gordon form the halves, shaping up to make the most of a forward pack that has amped the physicality as the season has progressed.
Powerful ball carriers David Feliuai and Filipo Daugunu will be the key to matching the Reds in the midfield, with both players always looking for work and combining well with their offloading game.
Try scoring winger Glen Vaihu returns to the starting team after sealing the bonus point win in Hamilton, with Andrew Kellaway at fullback and Lachie Anderson on the right wing.
Isaac Kailea and Sam Talakai lead the finishers, with Ethan Dobbins set to make his Super Rugby Debut alongside the powerful props.
Tuaina Taii Tualima and Angelo Smith make up the forward reserves, alongside potential debutant, and Victorian back row Maciu Nabolakasi. James Tuttle and Jake Strachan complete the finishers for the Round 4 clash, with a list that has plenty of fire for the late game.
A legend of the local competition, Nabolakasi is no stranger to playing Rugby in front of Victorian fans and representing his city and state proudly. The multiple Dewar Shield champion, 2023 Victorian Axemen Captain and 2017 and 2019 Melbourne Rising player has taken a totally unique path to his professional career.
After impressing in 2023 at a Victorian Senior State training session run by Rebels Coaching staff, Head Coach Kevin Foote has been helping develop the Fijian born talent. “Maciu really stood out for me that night. He adapted well, listened keenly, and followed it up with an outstanding performance in the Rebels Club Series in September as Axemen Captain,” recalled Foote.
This will not be the first time Maciu has represented the 5 stars, having played for the Rebels on their latest tour to Osaka against the Kintetsu Liners, also part of the Melbourne Rising Squad in 2017 and 2019, which featured the likes of locals Pone Fa’amasuili and Rob Leota.
The Melbourne Rebels face the Queensland Reds in Round 4 of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off at 7:35 PM AEDT, Friday, March 15 at AAMI Park.
The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sport.
Get down to AAMI park early, there will be a Rugby Victoria Junior clinic on Gosch’s Paddock from 6:00pm where kids can meet some of their favourite Rebels. Don’t forget to get to your seats early, as the Burn City Hype Up Starts from 7:25pm, be there to cheer your Melbourne Rebels onto the field.
1. Matt Gibbon
2. Jordan Uelese
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Josh Canham
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Josh Kemeny
7. Vaiolini Ekuasi
8. Rob Leota (c)
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Carter Gordon
11. Glen Vaihu
12. David Feliuai
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Lachie Anderson
15. Andrew Kellaway
Reserves
16. Ethan Dobbins**
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Sam Talakai
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima
20. Maciu Nabolakasi**
21. Angelo Smith
22. Jake Strachan
23. James Tuttle
** potential debutant
