After 756 days the Melbourne Rebels Super W return back to their spiritual home for a Friday night clash against the Brumbies.
The Rebels have made two changes this week’s Starting XV with Tangata Tupou named at No.8 and Sarah Hogan replacing Kirsty Matapa on the wing.
The Rebels will be buoyed by the return of 2021 Teammate of the Year, Nuala O Connor, who’s been named on the bench alongside potential Rebels’ debutant Claire Ryan.
Melbourne will enter their second-round clash with 14 of its 23 players set to play first game on AAMI Park, including Wallaroo Jade Te Aute, Vice-Captain Willow Rowland and back three Sarah Hogan, Amy Williams, and Annie Buntine.
Melbourne Rebels Super W Head Coach Alana Thomas said Friday promises to be a special moment for the Club following two long years away from home.
“Everyone’s really excited to be coming back to AAMI Park and playing at The Stockade in front of our people," said Thomas.
"It’s been a long time since we’ve been here, so to be back and doing it together as one Club in front of a crowd, all the girls are really keen to rip in and give it a crack.
“We’ve made a few changes this week starting in the forward pack with Tupou coming in for Willow Rowland -I thought she was really good for us against Fijiana Drua when she came on by adding a lot of sting to our defence with some good carries in attack.
“Sarah Hogan will start on the left wing with Kirsty Matapa out injured unfortunately; we’ve also brought in Claire Ryan for extra cover, so that will be her first game wearing a Rebels’ jersey potentially.”
The night promises to be a memorable affair with the Rebels using the fixture to celebrate the phenomenal impact women have made to rugby across the state with a number of pre-game activations planned including 500 Rebel Like Her giveaway t-shirts for everyone sitting in Rows 16, 17 and 18.
The Rebels Super W kick-off their Round 2 match against the ACT Brumbies at 5:05 PM (AEDT) on Friday March 11, with the clash to be shown ad-free live and on demand on Stan Sports.
