Rebels get some big names back
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels stand-in captain Angus Cottrell has been ruled out of Saturday’s Australian Conference derby against the Waratahs with concussion.
However, the side will welcome back three star players and has made six changes to the starting XV.
Hooker Anaru Rangi, wing Jack Maddocks, and lock Matt Philip have all been named to return to the starting side.
Rangi (ankle), Maddocks (knee) and Philip (heal) have all overcome their injuries, which kept the trio sidelined during last week’s loss to the Stormers.
Rounding out the changes to the starting lineup up is another trio of players, with Richard Hardwick, Matt Gibbon and Jermaine Ainsley, replacing Angus Cottrell, Tetera Faulkner and Sam Talakai in first XV positions respectively.
Young back Sione Tuipulotu has also been recalled into the replacements, in what potentially looms as his first match for the team since Round Seven’s win over the Reds.
Along with Cottrell, hooker Robbie Abel, wing Semisi Tupou, and lock Esei Ha’angana have not been selected.
The changes mark a five-three split in the interchange, after a six-two split was implemented last week to combat the Stormers’ strong forward pack.
Melbourne head coach Dave Wessels believes the loss of Captain Cottrell can be offset by Wallaby-capped forward Richard Hardwick, who impressed the caching group after his performance off the bench last week.
“Gussy concussed himself in training… so unfortunately he’s not available for selection,” Wessels said.
“We were pleased with Dickie’s [Richard Hardwick’s] contribution at the end of the Stormers game last week, we thought he played really well.
“He’s back to full fitness and we all know he’s a Wallaby, so when he’s on and when he’s hungry like he is at the moment, he can add a lot to the game.”
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Tom English (captain), 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Matt Gibbon.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Campbell Magnay, 23 Sione Tuipulotu.
Date: Saturday, April 20
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)
