Melbourne’s biggest star Danny Cipriani has been upstaged by journeyman James Hilgendorf, with the former England international relegated to the bench for the Rebels’ historic Super Rugby debut against NSW on Friday night.
The mercurial Cipriani was the first player signed by the new Super outfit and expected to be their key playmaker at AAMI Park.
But those five-eighth duties will go to 28-year-old Hilgendorf, who joined the Rebels after middling stints with NSW and the Western Force that earned 15 Super caps and then time with two Japanese clubs.
Cipriani’s demotion was the biggest talking point after their line-up was revealed, although that could change with a question mark over the fitness of former All Blacks prop Greg Somerville, who injured his knee during training on Wednesday.
Somerville, the most capped New Zealand prop of all time with 66, is key to Melbourne matching the Waratahs’ monster pack.
He was their best player in their final trial match against his old side the Crusaders.
Somerville is considered “touch and go” according to one source however coach Rod Macqueen downplayed the injury, insisting the 33-year-old was a certain starter.
“We had a bit of a scare but we understand that it was only a minor strain and he’s been able to train,” Macqueen said.
“He’s been given the all-clear by the medical staff.”
Cipriani came to Melbourne with the hope of reigniting his career after falling out with the England rugby hierarchy over his off-field exploits.
But the 23-year-old failed to crack the run-on side after some inconsistent performances in their warm-up games, while Hilgendorf has been a steadying force and also managed a try against the Crusaders.
Cipriani is likely to still get some game time at No.10 or at fullback, covering for Julian Huxley, who has had limited preparation because of osteitis pubis.
Macqueen said Cipriani was “very important” to the side.
“We’re looking at the team as the 22 so I don’t see it as a big issue as perhaps other people do, but having said that Jimmy Hilgendorf played very well throughout the trials and we think this time that Jimmy would be better starting.”
Veteran Sam Cordingley has recovered from a hip injury to start at halfback, relegating Wallaby tourist Nick Phipps to the bench, with the impressive Richard Kingi left out of the squad.
Macqueen didn’t expect Cordingley to be available for the opening round and said it was an “unexpected bonus” to have his experience in the line-up.
Former Wallaby Nic Henderson has been named as starting prop alongside Somerville, while Ged Robinson is the hooker with former NSW star Adam Freier unavailable as he recovers from a back injury.
Cooper Vuna, who switched to rugby from the Newcastle Knights, will partner skipper Stirling Mortlock in the centres, while the starting wingers are former rugby league international Luke Rooney and Lachlan Mitchell.
Macqueen said all players in the squad would get a run against the powerful Waratahs.
Rebels: Julian Huxley, Lachlan Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (c), Cooper Vuna, Luke Rooney, James Hilgendorf, Sam Cordingley, Gareth Delve (vc), Michael Lipman, Hoani Macdonald, Kevin O’Neill, Adam Byrnes, Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson. Res: Heath Tessmann, Laurie Weeks, Alister Campbell, Jarrod Saffy, Nick Phipps, Danny Cipriani, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Really? That doesn't sound too impressive.
Justin
Guest
Thats not hard, I have a more accurate pass than Burgess. And I aint joking.
TembaVJ
Guest
Crushey the rebels topping the tahs in 24 hours would be as close to one as anything can come :)
Crashy
Guest
I love it Temba " anticipation is the purest form of pleasure" - love it. Though some would argue there is probably one more form!
kevinsons
Guest
Good comment Justin, I couldn't agree more about Kingi and Betham. I have gone to most of the trials and Betham looks so dangerous with ball in hand, and genuinely quick. Maybe RM is going to build some stability and then ween in all of these young bloods. Kingi & DC could possibly be one of the better halves pairing getting around.
Mals
Guest
Cordingley may be a half back at the end of his career but he has a more accurate & reliable pass than Burgess.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
Only reason why burgess makes the Wallabies is the lack of quality 9's in Australia, he is average himself. Cordingly is not amazing but he is good for the experience right now. Kingi is the Rebels long term option but is a little wet around the ears to help kick start the new team.
jameswm
Guest
sorry - you mean below average? Or are you seriously lifts his team like a Burgess or Genia? He could be better than Phibbs though.
Justin
Guest
Hilgendorf isnt as bad as many say. He played well against Crusaders and got dead set awful service from Phipps. He was picking up half volleys all night. Agree DC should be and will end up 10 but JH will be fine. Kingi is stiff to miss out. He has the best pass and most energy of the 9s so far. Phipps box kicking has been deplorable. Amazed Betham hasnt got a spot in the 22 also. He killed Mitchell who looked well out of his depth in the Crusaders match.
Justin
Guest
Word is he missed a recovery session before the Crusaders match. It may be RM is playing hard ball to set an example that no one is immune...
Bear
Guest
How do you rate Cordingly average?
jameswm
Guest
Interesting to hear you say it is the worst 11-14-15 combination to play super rugby (Rooney, Mitchell and Huxley). I hadn't thought about that but you could be right. What stuck out to me though was the halves combination - Cordingley and Hilgendorf, two very average journeyman players. If the Tahs forwards monster the Rebels (and the Tahs have a good pack), this could get ugly. I hope the Tahs win and score 4 tries, but I hope the Rebels make a decent account of themselves. Of course games are not won on paper - I am always nervous.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
Jagman that is not the worst that could happen... the rebel front row could start their own tripod high five move. :)
Jason
Roar Guru
Not at all. I confidently predict that not only will the Waratahs set a new record by scoring a thousand points before half time, but the end result will be SANZAR renaming the competition the Super14 as they kick the Rebels back to subbies! :p Looking forward to it!
Jagman
Guest
Disappointed that Sommerville got moved to TH. I was really hoping an Australian would get experience in that position to make up for the walabies lack of depth. Just shows how much depth they lack really.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
Jason dont you think there is a stink of fear in Hickeys response? Taking on his old master...not knowing what Rod will come up with. :) just over 24 hours to go.
james
Guest
Agree, and probably the slowest.
Jason
Roar Guru
Thanks for the link to the article Temba. I'm interested to see what innovations they try to bring to the field, although I did like Hickey's response: 'If they want to play AFL or league that's fine; we're turning up to play rugby'.
Jason
Roar Guru
It must be. Either he is injured, not measuring up to the hype or it is an attitude problem because Hilgendorf is a journeyman.
saliosi
Guest
Possibly the worst 11,14,15 combination ever fielded in pro rugby in the southern hemisphere. I watched at least 20 of luke rooneys games in france and i would struggle to find a reason to feed him, as for huxley well he should slow everything down nicely. I am stunned at some of these selections