Former Australian halfback Luke Burgess is set to make his debut for the Melbourne Rebels earlier than expected in Friday night’s Super Rugby derby against the Brumbies.
Burgess, who played 37 Tests for the Wallabies before spending the last two years playing club rugby in France for Toulouse, had planned to join the Rebels in 2014.
But with Melbourne scrum-half Nick Phipps added to the Australian squad on Sunday for the upcoming series against the British and Irish Lions, and utility back Richard Kingi injured, the Rebels sent out an SOS to Burgess.
Malo
Guest
Smart plan by Deans. Cunning plan to pick Phipps so he can get a look atBurgess. Makes sense now. I like White but Burgess is tougher and adds more in defence.
Albo
Guest
To be fair it doesn't say whether or not it's off the bench or starting. We'll see how the team sheet comes out. I have a feeling Stirz will be starting.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Didn't Hill previously say he would only use Burgess if forced to by injury? Something stinks about this, does Deans need a chance to say what a wonderful game Burgo had in the SXV to substantiate his selection. Maybe I'm just paranoid. The guy who follows me around the shopping centre certainly thinks so.
jutsie
Guest
Concur with Adam and jus. Stirzarker isa very promising player and should be starting for the Rebs ahead of phipps and burgess
Justin2
Guest
The Red Head will have to start with Burgess off the bench. I'd tell Hill to get fcked otherwise if I was Stirz.
AdamS
Roar Guru
I haven't seen Stirzaker put a foot wrong, why isn't he getting the gig?
formeropenside
Guest
Go the Rebels, but you'd have to think that catching Burgess' passes wont make Hegarty's job any easier.
Red Kev
Guest
It'll be good to watch Burgess get schooled by Nic White.