Rebels change two for Blues clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Jermaine Ainsley and loose forward Ross Haylett-Petty will make their Super Rugby returns as the Rebels make two changes for their trip to Auckland to face the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
Ainsley returns after missing the Rebels’ win over the Sunwolves while experienced tighthead Sam Talakai shifts to the reserves.
Haylett-Petty returns for his first match at Super Rugby level since suffering concussion during the match against the Bulls in Pretoria and will start on the bench.
Wing Sefa Naivalu – who was last night included in the Wallabies squad for the Mitsubishi Estate Ireland Series – and last week’s debutant, Pone Fa’amausili have both been omitted from this week’s team.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Tom English, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Reece Hodge, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Colby Fainga’a, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Adam Coleman (captain), 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Fereti Sa’aga.
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Geoff Parling, 20 Ross Haylett-Petty, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Tayler Adams, 23 Lopeti Timani.
Date: Saturday, June 2
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 AEST; 05.15 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill, Angus Mabey
TMO: Ben Skeen
Check out the latest episode of Late Tackle!
