Rebels eye Bok-laden Stormers scalp
The Rebels, who have a mathematical outside chance of claiming an unlikely spot in the Super Rugby play-offs, resume their campaign against one of the two top teams in the Africa conference.
Boasting international Test representatives across the field, the dangerous Stormers are top of the Africa One conference and second – behind the Lions – in the combined Africa table.
It will be the first time since 2013 that the Stormers will play the Rebels in Melbourne..
"The Stormers are going really well and have nine Springboks in their squad," Rebels coach Tony McGahan said in an interview on the team's website.
The Springboks in the Stormers squad include Schalk Burger (who is also the captain), Nizaam Carr, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siyamthanda Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi and Jaco Taute.
"The Stormers are one of the top two sides in South Africa in their conference system so they're really gunning for finals.
"With only thee games left in the competition, this weekend represents a great one."
The Rebels recorded their only victory in four previous meetings against the Stormers when the two sides last met in Melbourne – 2013.
Fresh off their four-week international break, the Rebels are determined to make July a victorious run.
Rebels lock Luke Jones said they are expecting a "huge" onslaught from the visitors.
"The Stormers are a good physical South African side, with a lot of good Test players coming through – so they'll look to stomp their authority," Jones said.
"They've got quite a few players coming back from playing Test matches, so they've played a lot of games which can work in our favour, we're coming in fresher.
"It will be a huge game and a great way to finish our home games at AAMI Park this season."
Source: @MelbourneRebels
