Lipman to counter McCaw?
Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill has included English flank Michael Lipman in an effort to counter Richie McCaw in the clash against the Crusaders on Saturday.
Lipman comes into the side in place of Luke Jones, who has been suspended for a dangerous tackle against the Bulls last weekend.
Tim Davidson shifts across to blindside flank to make room for Lipman on the openside, and Hill is hoping he can have a big impact.
“Michael has recovered from his back injury and will be an important player this week against the Crusaders captain Richie McCaw,” Hill said.
The only other change to the starting XV the took on the Bulls is at fullback, where Julian Huxley takes over from the injured Richard Kingi.
Kingi had a strong game against the Bulls, but picked up a hamstring strain at practice during the week.
There is one change to the bench, as Nick Stirzaker provides cover for scrumhalf Nick Phipps in the absence of Kingi.
“Stirzaker is a promising young scrumhalf who has been training the house down, so we’re looking for big things from him,” Hill said.
Rebels: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve (captain), 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Tim Davidson, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Rodney Blake, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Jono Owen, 18 Alister Campbell, 19 Ryan Hodson, 20 Nick Stirzaker, 21 James Hilgendorf, 22 Stirling Mortlock.
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)
