Rebels keep winning recipe for Lions
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have named an unchanged matchday squad to tackle the Lions at AAMI Park on Saturday.
It marks the first time Melbourne has carried the same 23 man squad for consecutive matches since 2015, something Rebels captain Dane Haylett-Petty believes is a testament to his rapidly improving side.
“Everyone turned up [last week], did their bit and stayed on task, so I think it’s great those boys get rewarded for that and get another go.”
Spirits are high for the Rebels, following the team’s stirring 28-22 victory over the Highlanders last week – Melbourne’s first-ever victory in Dunedin.
The result also saw the Rebels become the first Australian club to defeat the Highlanders in New Zealand in thirteen Super Rugby games, something the seventy-eight-game veteran was immensely proud of.
“Definitely one of the most satisfying wins – it’s not an easy place to go and play and go and get a result.
“They put us under a lot of pressure, but we were able to survive it and I thought we managed it quite well in the second half.
“I think we just showed a lot of heart.”
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (captain), 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Tom English, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Matt Gibbon.
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Cabous Eloff, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Michael Wells, 23 Andrew Deegan.
Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.15 (10.15 SA time; 08.15 GMT)
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Federico Anselmi (Argentina), James Quinn (Australia)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)
