Melbourne Rebels skipper Gareth Delve says he would have no trouble playing alongside wayward Wallaby Kurtley Beale despite being punched by his teammate while on tour.
Beale’s future at the Super Rugby franchise is in doubt after he and Test winger Cooper Vuna were sent home from South Africa in disgrace.
Vuna stuck up for Delve before also trading blows with Beale, and then tweeted about the late-night incident in another breach of team protocol.
It followed the worst loss in the side’s history – a 64-7 shellacking by the Sharks in Durban.
Investigations are continuing, both at a club and Australian Rugby Union level, however Welshman Delve said he could still play with Beale.
“I’m a professional rugby player. For the most part, my relationship with Kurtley has been excellent,” Delve said.
“It’s not something I can’t get past.”
Beale and Vuna apologised for their antics before starting their trip back to Australia.
The Rebels are attempting to put the crisis behind them as they prepare to face the in-form Cheetahs in Bloemfontein this weekend.
The Cheetahs are returning from their most successful Australasian tour after victories over the NSW Waratahs, Highlanders and Western Force.
Delve said the players would be out to try to repair some of the damage from both the crashing defeat and the brawl.
He said they needed to make it up to the coaching staff and Melbourne fans.
“We’ve got a great opportunity to come out this week to turn things around and to put things right,” Delve said.
“We owe everyone a big performance this week.”
Coach Damien Hill is set to ring the changes following the Durban game, where the Rebels finished with the sorry tally of 19 turnovers and 31 missed tackles.
Richard Kingi is set to start on the wing in place of Vuna while prop Paul Alo-Emile will start ahead of Laurie Weeks.
Rookie flanker Jordy Reid will also get his first start replacing Scott Fuglistaller.
Wallabies back-rower Scott Higginbotham has been cleared of any shoulder damage while centre Mitch Inman is on the mend after a stomach bug.
Hill said the players were aware of the importance of the game.
“Everyone was embarrassed and angry post-game but they’ve had a good look at themselves and, as a result, the team’s even more focused.
“I’ve been pleased with the way they’ve stuck together.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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