Melbourne have lost some major star power for their Super Rugby clash with the Sharks with skipper Dane Haylett-Petty out injured while the Rebels are also missing three other Wallabies players for the clash in Durban.
Haylett-Petty suffered ligament damage to his toe during last round’s heart-breaking loss to the Lions in Johannesburg and while he doesn’t require surgery, will be out for up to six weeks.
Will Genia, Adam Coleman and Marika Koroibete are among the Test stars rested under the Wallabies rotation policy while in an indication of his World Cup prospects, Fijian-born No.8 Isi Naisarani has also been rested after recently qualifying to play for Australia through residency.
Haylett-Petty has been replaced at fullback by Jack Maddocks, with Sione Tuipulotu getting his first start this season in the centres with Tom English shifting to the wing for the game which kicks off at 0215 (AEDT) Sunday.
New captain Angus Cottrell steps in for Naisarani, while Michael Ruru replaces Genia at halfback.
Former Reds centre Campbell Magnay has been named for his Rebels debut having overcome an ankle injury suffered playing in Japan’s Top League.
Rebels coach Dave Wessels downplayed the changes, still confident of a break-through win in South Africa.
“Jack Maddocks has played a fair bit of time at 15 and he’s comfortable there and it’s a great opportunity for Sione Tuipulotu to come into the team, who really deserves his chance,” said Wessels.
The Rebels blew a dream chance to beat the Lions, giving up a 28-point lead, however their quest wasn’t helped by a 20-1 penalty count which is the most lopsided in Super Rugby history.
Wessels said he’d sought out Super Rugby officials for assurance that it was likely a one-off under inexperienced whistleblower Egon Seconds.
“I don’t think in the history of Super Rugby a team’s only got one penalty in a game,” Wessels said.
“We wanted to confirm that there weren’t any systematic issues in our game with the referees and they’ve given us feedback that there aren’t.
“We’ve got Rasta Rasivhenge, who’s obviously an experienced referee and I don’t think it’s going to be an issue.”
Rebels: Jack Maddocks, Reece Hodge, Sione Tuipulotu, Billy Meakes, Tom English, Quade Cooper, Michael Ruru, Angus Cottrell, Richard Hardwick, Luke Jones, Matt Philip, Ross Haylett-Petty, Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi, Matt Gibbon. Res: Robbie Abel, Tetera Faulkner, Pone Fa’amausili, Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Harrison Goddard, Campbell Magnay, plus one TBC.
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The big prop has only scored three tries in his career with the last coming in 2010.
The kick failed to pass the 22-metre line.
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The Crusaders scrum was dominant, so rather than risk yellow cards or penalty tries, Melbourne's coach replaced the three forwards at once.
The referee initially awarded the try but had to overturn it - presumably on advice from TMO.
Melbourne's scrum was embarrassed by the push from the home side.
