He still bears the nickname Zilla, but Rodney Blake is a now a very different beast. Blake will make his Super debut for the Melbourne Rebels against the Hurricanes at AAMI Park on Friday night, starting at loosehead prop in place of the rested Nic Henderson.
In a surprise move, the Rebels have named halfback specialist Richard Kingi at fullback, covering for Julian Huxley (groin), who brings to six the players on the casualty list.
Blake was tagged Rodzilla during his time at the Reds with his size – then 140kg – making him a cult figure.
However, he fell out of favour and left in 2008 to play two seasons in France before joining the Rebels, where he has bided his time waiting to make his debut.
“It’s been a bit frustrating but I just had to wait for an opportunity and now I’ve got to make the most of it,” said the 27-year-old, who has trimmed down to 127kg.
Blake won seven Test caps from 2006 and said he still harboured ambitions to return to the Wallabies fold.
During his time at the Reds he was criticised for the technical weakness of his scrummaging but feels he’s matured a lot on and off the field since then.
“I do have a point to prove, I feel I have a lot more to put into Australian rugby.
“I want to repay Melbourne for giving me another chance.”
The Rebels scrum and line-out has come under fire – particularly in their 53-3 loss to the Reds in the last round when they turned over five of their own throws.
Blake predicted a better showing against the Hurricanes, who last round lost to the Blues.
“We’ll lift ourselves up again,” he said.
“It was disappointing last week and we’ve got to make up for it this week.”
In other changes, Hugh Pyle moves into the second row and Adam Byrnes will start on the bench, while Michael Lipman returns from injury at openside flanker, replacing Tom Chamberlain.
South African JP Du Plessis makes his debut in the 22 while Luke Rooney will line up on the wing, with Afusipa Taumoepeau in the reserves.
Rebels: Richard Kingi, Luke Rooney, Lachlan Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Cooper Vuna, Danny Cipriani, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake. Res: Luke Holmes, Laurie Weeks, Adam Byrnes, Tim Davidson, JP Du Plessis, Peter Betham, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Crashy
Guest
Go Rebels!!! and how fitting Zilla scored the first try to keep the knockers quiet. What a game..
methysticum
Guest
Trevor Aaron Cruden, Julian Savea, Steven Brett, Luke McAlister, Sam Harding, Jason Eaton, Isaea Toeva, Richard Kahui, Victor Vito, Alby Mathewson, Anthony Boric, Jamie Mcintosh, Clint Newland, Colin Slade, Tyler Baxendal, Brendan Leonard, Steven Donald, Rodney Soalilo, Andrew Hore, Neama Tialata, John Afoa, Liam Messam, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliott, Leila Masaga, Daniel Kirkpatrick.......
Trevor
Guest
Rodzilla was never a concern to any other team. The Aussie rugby media have a habit of over hyping and talking up rugby players who don't warrant it. They make legends of players before they deserve it. I am not sure why they do this - But it's gone on for years. In most countries I have lived the media only talks up players who have made substantial accomplishments in the game. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Rusty
Roar Guru
Ha - the only thing Rodzilla is going to monster is all the pies in the pie shop. Most overrated prop to ever play
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Kingi played for Sunnybank at half back, fly half and full back so he is experienced at these positions. I don't think they will lose much by having him there he is a good young player perhaps a little full of himself but that might temper itself as he gets older. Rodzilla is the gamble, he'd have to improve from when I last watched him, why is he straight into the side and Weeks is still sitting on the bench. IMO I didn't like Weeks at the Reds and I wasn't unhappy to see him leave perhaps Mcqueen thinks the same as me about him. Perhaps both of them have now specialized in different positions in the scrum and that may be the reason Rodzilla is straight in.
formeropenside
Guest
Kingi has actually played a bit of 15 in Brisbane club rugby, so this is not as strange as it might appear.
Terry Kidd
Guest
One further point about Rodzilla .... if he has fixed his scrumming weaknesses then he has just got to show more mobility and commitment in defence and at the breakdown.
Terry Kidd
Guest
Agree Temba the back 3 look dodgey but the pack looks pretty good .... if the Canes are a little down there could be a surprize here.
TembaVJ
Guest
I am happy for Rodzilla, welcome back and hope you have a cracking season. A little worried about the lack of kicking in the back 3, I am sure there is a plan but I just dont know what that is with Kingi at 15. Has Kingi played in the back 3? two NRL converts and a halfback running the show at the back... We always knew it would be hard with injuries, rebels really miss Gerard. Lipman is back, he is relentless in the forwards. Go the Rebels!