The Melbourne Rebels have announced their Round 2 Super Rugby Women’s team to take on the ACT Brumbies in Canberra at GIO Stadium.
Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby Women’s Head Coach, Jason Rogers, has named a team consisting of a new look back line, with the intent to bring more punch through the midfield and experience to the wings.
The named pack will led by the powerful Anastasia Mamea and Jayme Nuku, calling up Jiowana Sauto to make up a formidable front row, while Easter Savelio will partner with Tiarah Minns in the engine room.
Minns was one of the Rebels’ key players in last week’s clash with the Force, topping the tackle count at 22 alongside Grace Hamilton, who will run out for her second game as the Rebels number 8.
Vice-Captain Melanie Kawa remains on the blindside flank with Sui Pauaraisa looking to disrupt the Brumbies continuity and apply pressure at every breakdown over the ball in the 7 jersey.
Lucy Brown combines again with play maker Cassie Siataga, who was instrumental in setting up both tries in their opener and will be making use of the powerful backline loaded with talent outside her.
Starting in the midfield, Ashley Marsters will lead the team from inside centre, with Harmony Vatau moving to outside centre as another attacking threat on the park.
After demonstrating her keenness to attack the line Chanelle Kohika-Skipper starts at left wing, with capped Wallaroo Samantha Treherne to make her debut for Melbourne on the right.
With excellent vision and the ability to move the ball well, Crystal Mayes slots into fullback, rounding out a formidable starting XV.
Mary Tuaana, Laiema Bosenavulagi and Paula Ioane will bring a late game punch to the forwards with hard running Sydney Niupulusu offering an edge from the bench.
Set to debut for the Rebels, lock Laetitia Bobo and scrum half Millie Scutt will be out to impress in their first game after strong performances in preseason.
With the ability to change the pace and tempo of the game, Head Coach Jason Rogers has opted for utility playmaker Grace Freeman and speedster Teuila Pritchard as finishers to round out the 23.
The Melbourne Rebels face the ACT Brumbies in Round 2 of the 2024 Super Rugby Women’s season, kicking off at 5:05PM AEDT, Friday March 22 at GIO Stadium. The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sport.
Starters
1. Anastasia Mamea
2. Jayme Nuku
3. Jiowana Sauto
4. Easter Savelio
5. Tiarah Minns
6. Melanie Kawa
7. Sui Pauaraisa
8. Grace Hamilton
9. Lucy Brown
10. Cassie Siataga
11. Chanelle Kohika-Skipper
12. Ashley Marsters
13. Harmony Vatau
14. Samantha Treherne*
15. Crystal Mayes
Reserves
16. Mary Tuaana
17. Laiema Bosenavulagi
18. Paula Ioane
19. Sydney Niupulusu
20. Laetitia Bobo*
21. Millie Scutt*
22. Grace Freeman
23. Teuila Pritchard
