Rebels get Wallabies boost ahead of Hurricanes clash
INJURY UPDATE: The Melbourne Rebels could be back to full strength to face the Hurricanes.
The Austalian could have skipper Dane Haylett-Petty and his Wallabies teammate Jordan Uelese in contention for Super Rugby selection.
Fullback Haylett-Petty hasn’t played since suffering a toe injury in round five in March while hooker Uelese has been sidelined for almost a year following knee surgery.
The pair were back to full training in Melbourne on Monday with the Rebels travelling to Wellington for Saturday’s match after a much-needed bye.
Teammate Reece Hodge said the time away had freshened his team, who were stinging after another second-half collapse against the Waratahs.
“Monday isn’t usually our massive session but the boys were raring to go and there was a fair bit of intensity at training and a lot of competition which was good to see,” Hodge said on Tuesday.
“We hate losing to the Waratahs so we don’t need any extra motivation going into this weekend.
“We’ve now lost two on the trot so we’re looking to get some momentum back into our season.”
The return of Haylett-Petty, who is among the favourites to take over the Test fullback jersey from Israel Folau, likely signals another shift for Hodge but the Wallabies utility said he would be ready to play where required in the Rebels backline.
Uelese, 22, is set to start from the bench behind Anaru Rangi but Hodge said the young bull looked in great shape.
“Obviously you get 12 months to lift in the gym, do running and work on your skills so when you come out of rehab you should be in better shape than when you train with the rest of the boys,” Hodge said.
“He has seamlessly fit into training – grabbed a couple of pilfers straight away and was really good in the defensive line so to see him out there is awesome.”
While the second-placed Hurricanes will test their defence, the Rebels are looking to improve their attack, which has been below par.
“Our attack has been lacking over the past couple of weeks,” Hodge said.
“The Stormers shut us out and then against the Tahs we didn’t score in the second half so there’s been a focus on that.”
Source: AAP
