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No Will Genia as Rebels gun for Super win

Will Genia of the Rebels. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
31st May, 2018
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Will Genia has been left out of the Melbourne Rebels side to take on the Blues in Auckland in a joint decision by the Super Rugby club and the Wallabies.

The Test halfback hasn’t played since injuring his knee three weeks ago which put him in doubt for the Wallabies opening Test against Six Nations champions Ireland in Brisbane on Saturday week.

The 30-year-old was inspected by both Wallabies and Melbourne physio staff with all parties agreeing that it would best if he didn’t play for the Rebels despite the importance of their match on their finals hopes.

“We had constructive discussion with the Wallabies coaches and decided in the best interests of Australian rugby that it was better to give Willy (Genia) another week off to ensure he’s one hundred per cent ready for the June Tests,” Rebels coach Dave Wessels said in a statement.

“The decision was obviously made easier by the fact that Michael Ruru has been in such good form lately.”

The Rebels go into this final game before June break for internationals just a point behind the conference-leading Waratahs.

Despite never winning in Auckland, the Blues, who sit last in the New Zealand conference represent their most winnable match with games against the Reds in Brisbane, Waratahs and Highlanders to follow.

Melbourne made minimal changes to the line-up that had a big win over the Sunwolves last outing, with Reece Hodge retaining the five-eighth jersey and Jack Debreczeni left out of the squad.

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Ainsley takes the place of tighthead Sam Talakai while backrower Haylett-Petty is back via the bench after five weeks out through concussion.

‘It’s great to have Ross (Haylett-Petty) coming back in,” Wessels said.

“He gives us flexibility in the back five and is obviously fit and powerful so we look forward to seeing his impact.”

Despite Jordan Uelese winning a Wallabies berth, Anaru Rangi has retained the starting hooker jersey.

Rebels: Dane Haylett-Petty, Jack Maddocks, Tom English, Billy Meakes, Marika Koroibete, Reece Hodge, Michael Ruru, Amanaki Mafi, Colby Fainga’a, Angus Cottrell, Adam Coleman (c), Matt Philip, Jermaine Ainsley, Anaru Rangi, Fereti Sa’aga. Res: Jordan Uelese, Ben Daley, Sam Talakai, Geoff Parling, Ross Haylett-Petty, Harrison Goddard, Tayler Adams, Lopeti Timani

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