Unchanged Rebels flying high
For the first time this season Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill has named an unchanged starting XV for the clash with the Western Force in Perth on Sunday.
Following their stunning 28-19 triumph over the Crusaders last weekend the Rebels will be full of confidence for the clash with the same team taking the field.
The only change to the matchday 22 comes on the bench, where Eastwood captain Hugh Perrett provides loose forwards cover in place of Ryan Hodson.
Among the replacements is veteran hooker Adam Freier, who will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance should he take the field.
“Our challenge this week is to take our home form against the Bulls and Crusaders with us to Perth,” Hill said.
Rebels: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve (captain), 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Tim Davidson, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Rodney Blake, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Jono Owen, 18 Alister Campbell, 19 Hugh Perrett, 20 Nick Stirzaker, 21 Stirling Mortlock, 22 James Hilgendorf.
Date: Sunday, May 20
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 14:35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Francisco Pastrana (Argentina), Johan Hoffman (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
