English to captain Rebels in Coleman's absence

Wed, Jun 27, 2018, 6:00 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Denying the Waratahs competition points is just as important as winning them for themselves according to Rebels skipper Tom English. Tomorrow's clash at AAMI Park shapes as Australian Conference defining, with the side's one and two on the ladder.

The Rebels have tweaked their team for a crunch Super Rugby clash against the Waratahs, missing three of their Wallabies for the match-up.

Will Genia, who broke his arm in the June Series, hasn't played for the Rebels since round 12, and will miss another month at least with this new injury, giving Michael Ruru the starting halfback spot again.

Hooker Jordan Uelese suffered an ACL in the Rebels' pre-June Series Super Rugby clash against the Blues, with Nathan Charles coming into the side on the bench.

Ben Daley will start at loosehead for the first time this season, with Sam Talakai shifting into the starting tighthead spot.

Melbourne sits just one point behind the Waratahs in the Australian conference, and a win would keep their finals hopes well and truly alive.

Rebels coach Dave Wessels said the team was raring to return to the Super Rugby fold. 

“We have some really experienced players in our line-up who can handle the big moments in big games," he said.

“We’re gonna go out there and give it a real crack in-front of everyone at the Stockade (AAMI Park) – it’s exciting…it’s going to be a bomb-cracker of a contest.

“Above everything, we just want to put in another performance where the people of Melbourne can be proud of us.”

The Waratahs named their team earlier in the day, with Israel Folau named pending the outcome of his disciplinary hearing.

The Rebels host the Waratahs at AAMI Park on Friday June 27, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.

TEAM

IN: Nathan Charles, Jack Debreczeni, Sefa Naivalu

OUT: Adam Coleman (adductor), Jordan Uelese (knee), Tayler Adams

Rebels to face the Waratahs

1. Ben Daley

2. Anaru Rangi

3. Sam Talakai

4. Matt Philip

5. Geoff Parling (v/c)

6. Angus Cottrell

7. Colby Fainga’a

8. Amanaki Mafi

9. Michael Ruru

10. Reece Hodge

11. Marika Koroibete

12. Billy Meakes

13. Tom English (capt.)

14. Jack Maddocks

15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves

16. Nathan Charles

17. Fereti Sa'aga

18. Jermaine Ainsley

19. Ross Haylett-Petty

20. Lopeti Timani

21. Harrison Goddard

22. Jack Debreczeni

23. Sefa Naivalu

 

Share
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham
'It's pretty hard to leave an environment like this': Jorgensen eager to commit future to Waratahs
Nico Andrade appointed QRU Women’s High-Performance Manager
'I'll always play on the edge': Wright looking to find attacking balance with new-look Brumbies attack