Back to Melbourne for Tahs' Rebels
New Waratahs recruits Kurtley Beale and Nick Phipps, along with defensive coach Nathan Grey, will take on their old team the Melbourne Rebels in their first trial match for 2014.
The Waratahs will truck it down south to border town Albury, where they will take on the Rebels at the Albury Sports Ground on Saturday February 1, 2014.
Beale spent five seasons with the Waratahs before joining the Rebels. He returns to the Waratahs after two years and 14 caps in Melbourne and couldn't imagine a better game to make his return from injury.
"I've tentatively pencilled in the Rebels as my first game back from shoulder surgery and it's shaping as good test for me both mentally and physically," he said.
Phipps spent three seasons in Victoria with the franchise before returning to guide the Waratahs.
"Coming up against your old team mates isn't easy but I'm looking forward to the challenge," he said.
Grey played 94 games for the Waratahs before becoming a foundation member of the Rebels' coaching staff.
He has an inside knowledge of the Rebels' roster but said: "It's just a trial and for the first time in my coaching career, all I'll be worried about is the Waratahs."
Coach Michael Cheika hasn't forgotten the last time they played in 2013.It was the Waratahs' first ever loss to the Rebels and with it went the Weary Dunlop Shield for the first time.
"The developing rivalry between the two sides isn't a bad thing and even though it's our first trial, it's also a great opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the starting team," he said.
