'He’s definitely a point of difference for us'
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels head coach Dave Wessels has rewarded his chargers for their victory over the table-topping Brumbies last week and named a near unchanged line-up for Saturdays clash against the Reds.
Prop Pone Fa’amausili is the only new face in the starting XV, coming in for Jermaine Ainsley at prop.
Melbourne Rebels vice-captain Michael Wells and emerging lock Esei Haangana have also been recalled to the matchday squad, sliding onto the bench in place of Michael Stolberg and Rob Leota.
At outside centre, former QLD Red Campbell Magnay will lock horns with former Rebel and Victorian junior Hunter Paisami in a midfield battle that will feature as a key matchup.
Unsurprisingly though, it’s the reinstated prop Pone Fa’amausili, who created headlines during the Rebels Round Tw0 match against the Reds, that will draw the most attention.
His battle against Taniela Tupou will be a battle of two of the most exciting big men in Australian rugby.
“He’s definitely a point of difference for us,” said Wessels about the 133kg Fa’amausili.
“He’s still a young guy and good performances come on the back of good preparation, so I’m not stressing too much on his performance.
“We’re pushing hard for him to get his preparation right and that he’s diligent during the week with everything he should be doing, and he’s been great.”
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Campbell Magnay, 12 Matt To’omua (captain), 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Andrew Deegan, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr.
Replacements: 16 Efitusi Maafu, 17 Cabous Eloff, 18 Charles Abel, 19 Esei Ha’angana, 20 Michael Wells, 21 Richard Hardwick, 22 James Tuttle, 23 Billy Meakes.
Date: Saturday, August 15
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.15 (09.15 GMT)
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant referees: Nic Berry, Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan
