To'omua takes centre stage against Waratahs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels head coach Dave Wessels has revealed his team for their crunch clash against the Waratahs on Friday.
The Rebels will welcome back Isi Naisarani, Luke Jones and Anaru Rangi to the starting XV, while recruit Matt To’omua will line up for his first Rebels start at inside centre.
With the news of his re-signing to the team until 2021 announced this week, the Rebels have been further buoyed by Naisarani’s return from a toe injury to re-take his place at No.8.
Rebels stalwart Luke Jones will also return to his blindside flank after recovery from a fractured cheekbone, while Anaru Rangi has been ushered back into the team after being rested in the Rebels’ 45-point win over the Sunwolves.
During our trip to Tokyo last week, the boys tested their karaoke skills to find out who the best singer was.
And the winner may surprise you… pic.twitter.com/9y9g6iQhv4
— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) May 29, 2019
To’omua will gain his first ever Rebels start, after replacing Billy Meakes at inside centre.
In further changes to the starting XV, props Tetera Faulkner and Jermaine Ainsley will start ahead of fellow front rowers Matt Gibbon and Sam Talakai, while hooker Hugh Roach will return to the bench following the inclusion of Rangi.
Promising young flank Rob Leota, experienced lock Sam Jeffries and Wallaby hooker Jordan Uelese have been the unlucky omissions in what looms as one of the most competitive Rebels sides announced this the season.
Wessels has also allayed Rebels fans’ fears, confirming that star scrum half Will Genia is fit to face the Waratahs after sustaining a knock to the head against the Sunwolves.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (captain), 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Matt To’omua, 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 Tetera Faulkner.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Angus Cottrell, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Billy Meakes, 23 Tom English.
Date: Friday, May 31
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Egon Seconds (South Africa), Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)
