Melbourne Rebels coach Rod Macqueen has given himself just a few more days to solve the riddle of exactly what is the new Super Rugby franchise’s best team.
Macqueen will unveil what is likely to be the Rebels’ starting side for their opening match in the trial against competition benchmarks Canterbury Crusaders on February 5 at AAMI Park.
His players get one last chance to further their claims in Saturday’s much lower-key trial match against the Fiji national team in Ballarat.
Among those in action will be Wallaby centre Stirling Mortlock, who will make his Rebels debut against Fiji after his long recovery from back surgery.
But after that match, Macqueen will turn his attention to picking his best 15 by Tuesday next week for the match against the Crusaders which will give the Rebels a marker as to their competitiveness for their debut Super Rugby season.
“We’re telling players where they’re standing at the moment… they’ve got two games to do something about where they stand,” Macqueen said.
“It’s very difficult, but we’ve got to be honest with the players.
“There’s going to be a few disappointments among the players, but it’s a long season and I think we’ll be using most of the players anyway.”
Macqueen said the following week’s match against the Crusaders would not only provide the rugby world with evidence of the Rebels’ quality, but also the club’s players and coaching staff.
“The first time we’ll really know will be when we come up against Canterbury and then we’ll have a gauge where we sit,” he said.
“All the work we put in the for the last three months is going well – we’ve got a fitness that we’re happy with.
“There’s no substitute for on-field performance, and now that’s what we’ve got to look to.
“It is a big challenge and we know that. We’re working hard to make sure we’re competitive.”
The Rebels open their Super Rugby season against the NSW Waratahs on February 18 at AAMI Park.
Jamesb
Guest
Nothing for any of theother teams to fear. Prediction - last on the table.
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
Well it seems RM is a little confused then ... mind you he's probably seen the team sheet for the Reds game
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
LAS the only reason I want to see JP in (besides the fact that he is a saffa) is with the first practice match against Tonga he scored an awesome try in the opening minutes beating 2 or 3 players... He also scored in the last match, so on current form I think Rod will give him the nod. Ill be keeping an eye out for him on saterday.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
i pretty much agree with this squad. exceptions are Du Plessis at 14. i would have Betham if he is serious about this opportunity. Saffy is an interesting one. he is built like an OX. and would be great as a 7, but he has been out of the game for a while so will need some time to get his head sorted. too many penalties otherwise............. i would also find a place for Mitchell. he's a goodun, if not inexperienced.
kovana
Guest
His father was a Rugby test player for Tonga. So i wouldnt be surprised is he already has a Rugby background. Would love to see him selected for the Tongan National team for the RWC.
kovana
Guest
They are player the Crusaders S15 team.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
Next year he started by playing union, much of his childhood was playing union as far as I know. What I have seen of him so far at the rebels has impressed me too. He does not have the defensive problems so many converts seem to have at this level...but its still early days.
Next year!
Guest
really interested in Cooper Vuna . This guy had a cracker of a year with Newcastle NRL last year and seemed to improve outta sight after he signed with the Rebels (or maybe that is only when he came under tthe Rugby spotlight). I saw him in action and belive he is one to watch - let's hope he doesn't come unstuck with the headgames of past NRL converts (Tahu in particular!) And please Rugby community give the guy a go and don't prejudice him as he is from the NRL
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
I suppose so James just personal preference... I rate saffy, and id probibly go with Kingi as my lead 9. :) Lets see what Rod comes up with, in him we trust.
jameswm
Guest
for who, Temba? Davidson? Fair enough if Freier is unfit, Tessman stays on the bench as a "project" and the experienced Robinson starts.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
Thats bad news Justin but I heard something along those lines too. Good team James, pop Saffy in the starting 15 and ill rubber stamp it
Justin
Roar Pro
I have it on good authority that (Deep) Frier wont play. His back is gone and has done virtually no contact work or anything more than walking/jogging. Robinson is a big chance to be starting hooker. I like the look of the backline, big and strong but is not blessed with out and out pace. Defensively cant see many holes which is always the best place to start. Halfback is a real toss up at present. Kingi played well in first trial I saw.
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
So are they playing the Crusaders or Canterbury ?
jameswm
Guest
Alright how's about we start guessing? 1. Greg Somerville 2. Adam Freier 3. Laurie Weeks 4. Kevin O'Neill 5. Al Campbell 6. Gareth Delve 7. Michael Lipman 8. Tim Davidson 9. Sam Cordingley 10. Danny Cipriani 11. Luke Rooney 12. Cooper Vuna 13. Stirling Mortlock 14. JP du Plessis 15. Mark Gerrard 16. Heath Tessman 17. Nic Henderson/Rodney Blake 18. Hoani MacDonald/Adam Byrnes 19. Jarrod Saffy 20. Phipps/Kingi 21. James Hilgendorf 22. Peter Betham/Julian Huxley Not in 22 Sipa Taumopeau (centre) Lachlan Mitchell (centre-wing) Tom Chamberlain (young flanker) Luke Jones (young lock) Hugh Pyle (young lock) Ged Robinson (journeyman hooker)