In the shift from the oldest Super Rugby squad to one of the youngest, the blossoming combination between Wallabies halves Kurtley Beale and Nick Phipps will prove even more valuable for the Melbourne Rebels in the 2013 season.
Following the retirement and departure of veterans including Stirling Mortlock, Adam Freier, Al Campbell and Michael Lipman the average age of the Rebels has dropped from 28 to 23.5 years, with 15 new faces in the squad.
Beale is living up to his long-heralded potential as the Wallabies No.10 while Phipps has been building since given his opportunity following injury to regular starter Will Genia.
Rebels coach Damien Hill said he was excited about the prospect of having the Wallabies halves steering his side around the park.
“It’s no surprise to me that Kurtley is the starting No.10 whatsoever,” Hill said.
“He’s an exceptional player and he played some of his best football with us there at 10 and I do think he’s the best 10 in Australia on his form and he will only get better.
“Nick’s been nipping at the heels of Will Genia for a while now and he’s got a real opportunity to make that spot his own.
“The more time he gets the better for his development for sure.”
Rebels’ recruit Scott Higginbotham was left out of Wallabies’ European tour after he was suspended for two games and will make his first appearance in Melbourne next week for a two-day session.
Cadeyrn Neville also didn’t make the final cut for the national squad but Hill didn’t feel his first cap was far off.
“Cadeyrn has come a long way in a short time and he’s knocking on the door of Wallabies selection that’s for sure.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to in the Wallabies’ camp, they’ve been extremely impressed by his work ethic and willingness to learn.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of if, it’s a matter of when he gets his opportunity.”
The Rebels’ other Test star James O’Connor will be given a holiday after working furiously on his injured hamstring to make the tour only to fall desperately short.
“He’s been working extremely hard to get his leg right and it’s 99 per cent there,” Hill said.
“I know he was very disappointed he wouldn’t go on the tour but the bonus for us is that we get him for a couple of weeks longer in our pre-season.”
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