The Melbourne Rebels have reshuffled their backline with coach Rod Macqueen finally having most of his players fit and available.
After a wave of injuries, all of the backs except Julian Huxley (groin) were up for selection for Friday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders at AAMI Park, with the Rebels gunning for their third successive victory.
Former Test fullback Mark Gerrard has shifted to the centres, with blossoming custodian Richard Kingi named at the back.
That allowed Macqueen to accommodate the return from injury of bustling winger Cooper Vuna.
Lachlan Mitchell, who played outside centre in their win over the Force before last weekend’s bye, is on the right wing with Luke Rooney relegated to the bench.
In the forwards Rodney Blake has returned to the starting 15 and replaced Nic Henderson at loose-head prop.
Flanker Hoani Macdonald will make his return from a long-term hand injury on the bench.
Rebels (15-1): Richard Kingi, Lachlan Mitchell, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (c), Cooper Vuna, Danny Cipriani, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve (vc), Michael Lipman, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake. Res: Heath Tessmann, Laurie Weeks, Adam Byrnes, Tim Davidson, Hoani Macdonald, Luke Rooney, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
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The big prop has only scored three tries in his career with the last coming in 2010.
The kick failed to pass the 22-metre line.
In the Canterbury region, it's not claret but pinot noir.
The Crusaders scrum was dominant, so rather than risk yellow cards or penalty tries, Melbourne's coach replaced the three forwards at once.
The referee initially awarded the try but had to overturn it - presumably on advice from TMO.
Melbourne's scrum was embarrassed by the push from the home side.
