Melbourne Rebels halfback Luke Burgess has an unexpected spring in his step ahead of Friday night’s Super Rugby clash with Queensland.
Burgess was set to miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his leg in their last clash with the Reds in round 14 in mid-May.
But not only has Burgess returned to action at AAMI Park, he’s also back in Test contention after being called into the Wallabies’ squad for their final Test against France, replacing the injured Will Genia.
Before the injury, Burgess was at his best, scoring two tries in their maiden win over Queensland and hoped to regain that form quickly.
“It was a nice reward and good to be part of it,” the 30-year-old said of his Test squad inclusion.
“Three games until the end of the season now is a nice little block to concentrate on and it’s important that we play well and, hopefully, a few of us can be part of the Wallabies.”
Queensland will be without Genia (ankle) and Quade Cooper (shoulder) with Nick Frisby and Ben Lucas in the halves.
Burgess said Frisby was an impressive replacement at No.9.
“I don’t think they lose too much with the injuries they’ve suffered.
“Nick will be very dangerous around the breakdown as, like Will, he’s an excellent runner.
“He’s also got an excellent passing game so he’ll give the team plenty of width and speed in attack so we don’t change a lot how we prepare.”
The Rebels will give exciting young back Jack Debreczeni his Super Rugby run-on debut at fullback, with Jason Woodward shifting to the wing.
Australian under-20s captain Sean McMahon is also starting in the back-row in his return from international duties, while halfback Nic Stirzaker has been named on the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.
The last clash between the teams finished in controversial fashion with Woodward slotting a late match-winning goal after Reds forward Ed O’Donoghue was wrongly penalised for eye gouging.
Queensland coach Richard Graham expected the match to have some extra spice.
“There’s no doubt there will be some feeling,” Graham said.
“The thing for us, the red card didn’t assist our cause at all but I think we need to be better.”
Queensland leapfrogged Melbourne off the bottom of the Australian conference with a surprise win over the Highlanders before the Super Rugby break for the June internationals.
Rebels: Jack Debreczeni, Jason Woodward, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Bryce Hegarty, Luke Burgess, Scott Higginbotham (capt), Colby Fainga’a, Sean McMahon, Luke Jones, Cadeyrn Neville, Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Res: Shota Horie, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Hugh Pyle, Scott Fuglistaller, Nic Stirzaker, Telusa Veainu, Tom Kingston
Adsa
Guest
Inconceivable!
Better dead than cynical Red
Guest
I think it is really 2.3 QLDers as you have to include the bench..
Double Agent
Guest
He's coming to my Reds on a multi-third party deal for himself and JOC from the Casino, so then anytime 24/7 before a match if either of them needs a drink, a burger or a punt they will be sorted.
PeterK
Guest
do not know if its a guarantee or just eligibility. However fairfax did publish yesterday that the ARU did make an offer to him which remains unsigned. So that says to me he expects more.
Markus
Guest
Are the rules a guarantee, or just the minimum requirements for consideration of a top-up? I'm sure he will be considered for one (apparently he already is), but the fact he doesn't command a starting position in any spot would surely be taken into consideration too.
Markus
Guest
Burgess' clearance from the ruck is even slower and less accurate than Phipps. For all of White's shortcomings in the French Tests, it was a refreshing change not seeing the Wallabies constantly lose the ball at the ruck while the scrumhalf stands there throwing his hands in the air at the referee.
PeterK
Guest
You do know that he does have an existing contract with the aru so it would be a renewal and since he is currently in the wallabies and has been consistently for years then he deserves a top up according to the rules.
PeterK
Guest
Pulver said Beale was a national treasure didn't he? So of course he will get a top up. Actually ARU have given him an offer I believe but it's not enough.
Squirrel
Guest
Hope he goes overseas and the amigo era is finished
formeropenside
Guest
It will be interesting to see if Beale gets a top-up to stay at the Tahs, or whether he goes overseas as he is threatening.
Nigel Imrie
Guest
The Rebels will put them to the sword and out of their misery once and for all, JOC should look elsewhere for a game, there is definitely no respect from Pulver and his cronies not offering a top up!!
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
It will be a good solid match that could go either way. I'm interested to see how Stirzaker goes when he comes on at the 55 minute mark to replace Burgess. The Reds could play very well with the new halves combo, it will be quite different for the team as these two halves play a more conventional type of play. And you never know that could suit the Reds at the moment. Higgy needs to lead the Rebels and show his worth, he has been slightly quiet of late and needs to have a blinder. The battle of the packs will decide this game as it does in most. I favour the Reds front row to get the best of the Rebels front row, however the backrow could be the reverse. An interesting game
Paul
Guest
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
Adsa
Guest
Has Burgess ever decimated anyone apart from a few 5/8 that have had to chase his erratic passes?
formeropenside
Guest
What, he will injure 1.5 Queenslanders so badly that they have to leave the field?
Magic Sponge
Guest
Burgess should be the wallaby 9. He will decimate qld tonight