The Melbourne Rebels have announced their Round 4 Super Rugby Women’s team to take on the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park
A changed Rebels front row will see Ana Mamea partnering with Jiowana Sauto, and try-scoring Jayme Nuku at hooker, who once again proved her ability at set piece is second to none, scoring off another maul and dominating in contact.
Lineout drivers Easter Savelio and Tiarah Minns, pair once again in the engine room, with the tall locks both impressing with their physicality in their contest with the Waratahs last week. Melanie Kawa retains her spot at blindside with Sui Pauaraisa and Grace Hamilton her back row partners.
Sarah Hogan moves into the starting scrumhalf position, working hard to feed clean ball to the classy Cassie Siataga at flyhalf. The pair will look to expose the Reds by unlocking their potent midfield and gaining territory off the back of Siataga’s long-range kicking.
Starting at inside centre, Crystal Mayes will again play alongside Captain Ashley Marsters in the midfield. The Victorian will be hoping to secure the Rebels' first win of the season at home in front of a passionate Rebels crowd.
Teuila Pritchard retains her spot on the wing alongside Chanlle Kohika-Skipper and Wallaroo Samantha Treherne returns to fullback.
Mary Tuaana, Laiema Bosenavulagi and Paula Ioane will be introduced late in the game, with the youngster Bosenavulagi always keen to get go-forward opportunity when on offer. Sydney Niupulusu brings her high-energy game as a reserve back row as the impact players look to expose the Reds at the breakdown and hard carries.
Laetitia Bobo rounds out the forwards with reserve scrumhalf Lucy Brown positioned to bring tempo and speed. Playmaker Grace Freeman and speedster Mia-Rae Clifford make up the reserve backs and will be keen to get involved when their opportunity comes.
The Melbourne Rebels face the Queensland Reds in Round 4 of the 2024 Super Rugby Women’s season, kicking off at 5:05PM AEDT, Friday April 5 at AAMI Park. The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sport.
1. Ana Mamea
2. Jayme Nuku
3. Jiowana Sauto
4. Easter Savelio
5. Tiarah Minns
6. Mel Kawa
7. Sui Pauaraisa
8. Grace Hamilton
9. Sarah Hogan
10. Cassie Siataga
11. Teuila Pritchard
12. Crytsal Mayes
13. Ashley Marsters
14. Chanelle Kohika-Skipper
15. Samantha Treherne
16. Mary Tuaana
17. Laiema Bosenavulagi
18. Paula Ioane
19. Sydney Niupulusu
20. Laetitia Bobo
21. Lucy Brown
22. Grace Freeman
23. Mia-Rae Clifford
