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The Friday night game sees the Rebels playing the Cheetahs from AAMI Park in Melbourne. Join The Roar from 7:40pm (AEST) for all the live action.
Both sides bring varying degrees of form into tonight’s match, the Cheetahs dispatching the Sunwolves in emphatic fashion last weekend, while the Rebels were well beaten by the Hurricanes.
However these results hide the fact that the Cheetahs have not had a very good season, and most likely out of playoff contention, while the Rebels will still fancy their chances of pushing for a wildcard slot in the finals.
Both sides like to attack and play with the ball in hand, so an exciting contest should ensue. However this will hinge on the state of the AAMI Park pitch, after it was cutting up badly during last week’s match.
The Cheetahs will fancy their chances out wide, and the express pace of Sergeal Peterson and Raymond Rhule may cut capers through a Rebels backline which has been forced to reshuffle through injury, with Tamati Ellison moved in one spot to second five and Reece Hodge starting at centre.
The Rebels will try to control the game through a solid pack and decisive play through their halves, Nic Stirzacker and Jack Debreczcini.
One match-up tonight to keep an eye on is Rebels lock Luke Jones up against Springbok incumbent Lodewyk de Jager – it’s an opportunity for Jones to impress against one of the world’s best.
Another key factor for the Rebels will be the performance of their impressive loose forwards Sean McMahon, Jordy Reid and Adam Thomson. An area of strength so far this season, the trio had a quiet night last weekend.
Prediction
Expect a return to form from the Melbourne side.
Rebels by 8.
Join The Roar for all the action, and be sure to give your thoughts on the match as it unfolds.
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.