Scrumhalf drama for Rebels

 

Injured in Saturday thrilling 30-27 win over the Reds, Burgess has suffered a tibial plateau fracture but holds hopes he can return before the end of the Super Rugby season.

 

The 30-year-old, listed for a six-to-eight week rehabilitation period, will be in a race to recover in time to make the Rebels' tour of South Africa over the last two rounds.

 

"We thought we might have seen the end of Luke's rugby season, so a six-eight week layoff, while not ideal, is certainly far better than what we originally feared," head trainer Bryce Cavanagh to the Australian Associated Press.

 

It's still a severe blow for the rebels as Burgess enjoyed his best game since round three with a two-try display against the Reds at on their home turf.

 

The Rebels are already without rising youngster Nic Stirzaker who had displaced the 30-year-old before injuring his ankle a fortnight ago against the table-topping Sharks.

 

Former Australian under-20 scrumhalf Ben Meehan is now in line to take the No.9 jersey in his starting debut against the Waratahs in Melbourne on Friday.

 

But the powerful Josh Holmes – who played 45 Super games over six seasons for the Brumbies, Waratahs and Force – is also in the reckoning after signing on from Sydney club Warringah this month.

 

"Josh has been in terrific form in the Shute Shield, he is hungry for an opportunity and we have confidence in his ability to step up at short notice," said Rebels' operations manager Baden Stephenson.