The Melbourne Rebels have locked in their team to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington in the Quarter-Finals of Super Rugby Pacific. One of the most important games in the Club's 14-year Super Rugby history, the Melbourne Rebels travel to New Zealand with their eyes set on cementing a legacy that proudly represents their fans, their city, and their predecessors.
Led by Victorian Captain Rob Leota, the Rebels celebrate the milestones of Sam Talakai's 100th Super Rugby game and Andrew Kellaway's 50th game for the Melbourne Rebels. Impressive achievements and a moment to be celebrated alongside the team's first-ever finals campaign in Super Rugby, the Rebels have an opportunity to leave a legacy upon Super Rugby and a historic influence on Rugby for Victoria and its people.
After our best-ever season, the run-on side has earned their opportunity to take the field in what will be a great moment for the Club. Starting at loosehead prop, homegrown talent Isaac Kailea will partner with fellow Victorian Jordan Uelese and the Super Rugby Centurion Taniela Tupou.
Angelo Smith sets up at lock with Josh Canham, the pair working hard together to drive and manage the set piece in the back half of the season. Melbourne product Josh Canham has dominated at lineout time across the season, fourth across the competition for lineouts won with 13 lineouts plucked from his opposition hookers. Complimented by his deft skills, the mobile lock leads his team for offloads, unleashing the fast and fearless game style that Head Coach Kevin Foote has instilled in his team.
Josh Kemeny sets up at the blindside flank, with Brad Wilkin on the open side. Both technical flankers pose a threat to the Hurricanes' ruck and speed of delivery.
Rob Leota leads the team from No.8, a menace for defenders with the ball in hand. Leota's huge frame, paired with his work rate, will look to bend the line early and create options on his inside and outside.
Carter Gordon returns to flyhalf, with Ryan Louwrens at scrumhalf. The returning combination will be the key to unlocking the Rebels' backline off the back of a platform set by the forwards.
After a stand-out season at inside centre, David Feliuai once again starts in the midfield, continually building on his partnership with Filipo Daugunu off his shoulder. Both centres will look to attract the defence of the Hurricanes, with their ability to dominate the collision and attack the breakdown, creating space in the wide channels.
Darby Lancaster retains his spot on the wing, impressing under the many high-ball challenges from the Drua in last week's clash. Outstanding under pressure, the rapid winger has shown his acceleration on the edge, and his decision-making is unmatched.
Lachie Anderson returns to the other wing, with Andrew Kellaway returning to fullback as the connector of the backfield.
The impact will be critical to the Rebels' success on Saturday in Wellington, with the experienced front row allowing the starters to empty the tank. Hooker Alex Mafi returns to the team, alongside Matt Gibbon and Sam Talakai, who will bring up his 100th Super Rugby Game across his impressive career.
Opting for six forwards on the bench, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, and Vaiolini Ekuasi will provide late-game energy and their own unique edge to the game. The Rebels coaches will welcome Ekuasi's return. The dangerous runner has started making a career from bashing his opposition and dominating in contact with fresh legs.
The tireless James Tuttle takes up the replacement halfback role, providing a shift in tempo whenever he takes to the field. The energetic commander of the forwards possesses the skills to maximise the effort from his forwards and has the experience to steer the pack and his backs in the late game.
Nick Jooste returns to the Rebels 23 and will play a key role in controlling the tempo when looked to from the bench. His large frame and handy skills complement his booming right foot and heavy-hitting tackles. With the ability to play anywhere across the backline, the versatile back is a true threat as a reserve.
Head Coach Kevin Foote reflected on the emotion and importance of the Rebels' first Finals campaign. "Controlling what you can control has been our mantra from the get-go, and when we do leave, we want to leave with our heads held high, making sure we are proud of who we are as people", Foote said.
"it's Quarter Finals, it's something special for us and there's a lot of excitement around that" he continued, reflecting on the opportunity and the legacy the players and staff want to leave behind. "We don't want to just be the Greatest Rebels Team of all time, but we want to do something really special."
Playing for the people of Melbourne, the fans and the Rugby Community the Rebels represent has been a key component of the messaging all year for the group, and now is the time to take that opportunity and push as far as possible into their finals campaign.
The Melbourne Rebels take on the Hurricanes in the Quarter Finals of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off at 2:35PM AEST / 4:35PM NZT on Saturday, June 8, at SKY Stadium, Wellington. 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. Brad WIlkin
8. Rob Leota (c)
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Carter Gordon
11. Darby Lancaster
12. David Feliuai
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Lachie Anderson
15. Andrew Kellaway
Reserves
16. Alex Mafi
17. Matt Gibbon
18. Sam Talakai
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima
20. Maciu Nabolakasi
21. Vaiolini Ekuasi
22. James Tuttle
23. Nick Jooste
