The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed the return of flyhalf Carter Gordon as they prepare for a brutal test in Wellington.
Gordon has missed the past two weeks as he deals with a concussion, returning to a relatively settled Rebels side.
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He is joined by winger Lachlan Anderson, with hooker Alex Mafi back on the bench.
Captain Rob Leota has overcome several knocks to line up to number eight, whilst lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is still another week or two away if they advance.
“They’ve all trained today, except for Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) so without playing any games, they’re all fully fit,” Foote said on Tuesday.
“Hopefully they will get on the flight, depending on how we come off the training park but Carter has done really well and Bobby (Leota) is fine.”
The Rebels were thumped by the Hurricanes in Round Five after a first-half blitz, scoring five tries in 18 minutes to take a 54-28 win.
The round five defeat was a catalyst for their finals push, turning the defeat into three straight wins afterwards.
“They were excellent to start the game, executed really well and put us under a lot of pressure
“They’re a really good kicking team but when they decide to keep the ball, they’re excellent and they’ve played some stunning Rugby this year.
“…We’ve changed things up this weekend because we want things to feel different. The way was started wasn’t ideal and I think we’ve done a good job (since) against the Reds and Blues to understand how important the start of the game are, especially against New Zealand teams, to come out with incredible intensity early on and matching that, trying to react.”
It leaves Foote and the Rebels coming in with no expectations on their shoulders as they look to extend their stay in Super Rugby.
“We actually want to do something special. It's what history is all about, sports gives us this opportunity," Foote said.
"You look at all the great rugby stories and think about the story you are going to tell.
“It provided critical after a late season struggle, with Foote out to recapture the magic.”
REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feiluai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste
