Fresh off back-to-back wins, the Rebels have named a strong match-day team to take on the Highlanders for Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific at AAMI Park.
The return of Wallabies Andrew Kellaway and Josh Kemeny to the starting XV brings an added edge to the Rebels side, who convincingly defeated the Fijian Drua in Round 7.
The dominant front row of Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, and Sam Talakai have set the tone for the pack in previous weeks and will continue their run of form in the starting side. The Rebels’ scrum continues to dominate each week, with the driving power from the front being used as a weapon to turn over opposition possession.
Tuaina Taii Tualima demonstrates his versatility moving into lock, after promising form across the back row. Pairing up with powerful teammate Lukhan Salakai-Loto, the duo will look to dominate both the contact zone and set piece with their large frames and polished skills.
Josh Kemeny makes his way back into the 6 jersey, alongside Maciu Nabolakasi, who gets his third start at openside with the dynamic Vaiolini Ekuasi moving to the back of the scrum. A crucial position in the match-up against the Highlanders, Ekuasi’s ability to move bodies and his threat running the ball from set-piece will have the Highlanders on the back foot.
After a memorable night last week at scrum half alongside his play-making partner, Ryan Louwrens will again work with Carter Gordon at fly half to bring fast service to their attackers and provide consistent kicking pressure on the opposition backfield.
Midfielders David Feliuai and Filipo Daugunu make up the Rebels’ centres, and provide consistency through the middle of the park; their ability to connect on defence becoming a core trait of the pair.
Darby Lancaster starts on the wing with Lachie Anderson on the other edge, both equipped with the experience of the sevens circuit sure to pay dividends against a fast side from across the Tasman.
Providing security under the high ball and a critical connector in the back line, the returning Andrew Kellaway will look to light up AAMI Park once again. Running the ball from backfield, Kellaway’s vision and ability to read defences make him one of the Rebel’s most threatening on the field.
The unchanged Rebels reserve front row of loosehead prop Isaac Kailea, hooker Alex Mafi and Taniela Tupou at tighthead prop feature for a second straight game. After coming on against the Drua and executing their roles to the letter, all three are set for another late-game outing in Melbourne.
In a week spent celebrating our Rugby Community in Victoria, with club visits and a focus on club rugby in Melbourne at our home game, Rebels Media caught up with local product, Isaac Kailea, about his love for the game and the importance of the Victorian grassroots rugby community.
Reflecting on the impact that growing up, developing and now playing his Super Rugby in Melbourne, Kailea attested his growth in part to the players who had come before him. Teammates and role models; Rob Leota, Jordan Uelese and Pone Fa’amausili opened up a pathway for local players, but also provided a platform for fellow next-generation Victorians like Daniel Maiava, Josh Canham and Maciu Nabolakasi to carve their own unique journey.
“It means a lot, they’ve set the platform” said Kailea, describing the impact of the players that have come before him. “They have all played internationally, hopefully, we keep following that path and we get to that stage too.
Daniel Maiava and Angelo Smith will add to the late-game firepower from the bench, alongside reserve scrum half Jack Maunder.
Matt Proctor will make his second stint from the bench alongside utility back Nick Jooste, whose ability to play multiple positions enables the home side a great advantage in their match-up with the Highlanders.
The Melbourne Rebels face the Highlanders in Round 8 of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off at 7:35 PM AEST, Saturday, April 13 at AAMI Park. The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sports.
1. Matt Gibbon
2. Jordan Uelese
3. Sam Talakai
4. Tuaina Taii Tualima
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Josh Kemeny
7. Maciu Nabolakasi
8. VaioliniI Ekuasi
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Carter Gordon
11. Darby Lancaster
12. David Feliaui
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Lachie Anderson
15. Andrew Kellaway
16. Alex Mafi
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Angelo Smith
20. Daniel Maiava
21. Jack Maunder
22. Matt Proctor
23. Nick Jooste
