Matt To’omua has been moved to the centres for the Rebels’ Round 6 Super Rugby AU clash with the Brumbies.
The frontrunner for the Wallabies no.10 jersey at the start of the year, To’omua has started all four games this season at flyhalf for Melbourne so far but will move into midfield to make way for Andrew Deegan.
That means the Rebels will field a completely different halves pairing to the one which ran out against the Force last week, with Frank Lomani starting at no.9 for the injured Ryan Louwrens. Louwrens has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured bicep, with James Tuttle making his Super Rugby return from the bench in his place.
Campbell Magnay returns to the no.13 jersey, while Reece Hodge will start at fullback once again with captain Dane Haylett-Petty still out injured.
Dave Wessels has also reshuffled his forward pack, moving Matt Philip back into the run-on side, recalling Josh Kemeny at blindside flanker, giving openside Brad Wilkin his first-ever start in a Super Rugby game, and omitting Esei Ha’angana.
While the Rebels have mixed things up, their opponents have gone with a relatively settled side for Friday night. Tom Wright has been rested by Dan McKellar, Andy Muirhead taking his place on the wing, while Tom Cusak will start at no.7. Ryan Lonergan makes his return from an ankle injury on the bench.
The Reds have made just one change to their XV for Saturday night’s derby against the Waratahs. Jordan Petaia will make his first start since his shoulder injury earlier in the year, after playing significant minutes last week in Canberra. He replaces Chris Feauai-Sautia on the wing, with Hunter Paisami remaining in Petaia’s favoured no.13 jersey.
The Waratahs welcome back Lalakai Foketi to their run-on side, replacing Joey Walton at outside centre, and Jake Gordon is back in the starting XV after coming off the bench in Round 4. Angus Bell has been named on the bench after a back injury, while Walton has taken Mark Nawaqanitawase’s place among the reserves.
Friday, 7:05pm, Leichhardt Oval
Rebels
1. Cameron Orr, 2. Jordan Uelese, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Trevor Hosea, 6. Josh Kemeny, 7. Brad Wilkin, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Andrew Deegan, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Matt To’omua (c), 13. Campbell Magnay 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Reece Hodge
Bench: 16. Efitusi Ma’afu, 17. Jacobus Eloff, 18. Vaiilli Fa’amausili, 19. Michael Stolberg, 20. Richard Hardwick, 21. Rob Leota, 22. James Tuttle, 23. Billy Meakes
Brumbies
1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Nick Frost, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Tom Cusack, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Bayley Kuenzle, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Solomone Kata, 15. Tom Banks
Bench: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Harry Lloyd, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Will Miller, 20. Ben Hyne, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Mack Hansen, 23. Len Ikitau
Saturday, 7:15pm, SCG
Waratahs
1. Tom Robertson, 2. Tom Horton, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4. Ned Hanigan, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Lachie Swinton, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Jack Dempsey, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Will Harrison, 11. Alex Newsome, 12. Karmichael Hunt, 13. Lalakai Foketi, 14. James Ramm, 15. Jack Maddocks
Bench: 16. Andrew Tuala, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Tetera Faulkner, 19. Tom Staniforth/Jed Holloway, 20. Hugh Sinclair, 21. Mitch Short, 22. Joey Walton, 23. Ben Donaldson
Reds
1. Dane Zander, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Liam Wright, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Scott Malolua, 10. James O’Connor, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Jordan Petaia, 15. Jock Campbell
Bench: 16. Alex Mafi, 17. Jack Straker, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20. Fraser McReight, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Bryce Hegarty, 23. Josh Flook
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Yeah... if they put the sword to the Tahs I would still be believing.
Cattledog
Roar Guru
Can't see it this year Ferret...but it's good to dream...
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
Good point RR. The Reds have some portly props in the squad! I wonder what a battle hardened Dane Zander might look like in 5 years time, after he’s been weaned off his mum’s apparently excellent cooking. :laughing:
Dwards
Roar Rookie
Sounds like our tastes aren't too far apart. Have been mostly impressed with the Whisky loot cause for $50 you get 3x 60ml samplers so you're not committed. It's like a monthly whisky flight. You should check out Port Charlotte if you don't mind some peat, and Talisker Port Ruighe is also great (not Talisker Storm though IMO). Glenmorangie Signet if you've got some really good mates and a birthday coming :).
Greg Hughes
Roar Rookie
Rebs will not get Gardiner again this week-so Berry will get game. Look for a few surprises from the Rebs. It is the match of the round and while Rebs had a quiet game vs Force they may surprise tonight. Hope it's not a scrum/lineout fest. as Brumbies want.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Title contenders this year. Let me re phrase that... we will win the tile this year.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Notice that RA has not listed the referees for this week. After N.Berry's effort last week, are they trying to cool things down by playing faceless refs? :silly:
Cattledog
Roar Guru
The Reds appear to be getting that 'never say die' attitude which has no doubt come from Thorn. Some of their rugby has been truly exceptional and keeping the ball in hand is paying dividends. They will be title contenders next year if they remain on their current trajectory.
MitchO
Guest
google also said he's captain of his school team and some people were saying he's a good guy. so he likely has his head screwed on (at least for now).
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
We may do a pub or club, cheaper to drown the tears. Yep the SCG is very very average, especially from ground level. Against the Force we were up in the oreilly stand which wasn't too bad but then again there were some funny buggers with quality banter and the Tahs won. Also have to say from a selfish perspective getting to the SCG is a breeze, love the light rail to Moore Park
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Serious Q: By what factor do Rebels and Brumbies changes ratchet up chance of an upset by Covid City? Views welcome, Cheers KP
Laurence King
Roar Rookie
Wished I'd said that
Laurence King
Roar Rookie
I like it just fine but leve out the coke
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I am always skeptical of tasters subscriptions. I worry they are just trying to offload the stuff they cannot sell. I feel the same about wine clubs, etc. You may come across something that hits your taste buds in the right way, still. Everyone's tastes are individual. Every now and then I'll try something different (usually when passing through duty free). Otherwise I probably hover around the same familiars. On the cheaper end of the scale are the Glenmorangie's (10y is fine, but the Quinta Ruben or the 18 is better) or Oban. The rubber starts hitting the road in the next tier with The Dalmore (one of my favorites), Scapa, Macallan. Then right up to the premium Tassy whiskys that are reserved for special occasions. I got a bottle of Sullivans Cove French Oak cast before the pricing went silly and that was wonderful. I have an American Oak unopened and waiting. I won't be holding it until the Tahs win another title, I do want to drink it eventually! But I'm not a Single Malt snob. I don't mind a Jameson and have been keen to give Starward a go.
Shed
Roar Rookie
@Hazel Nutt - I expect Wells is their first choice #6 with Naisarani back from injury. Kemeny is a very good young talent but if this was the final, no doubt Wells at 6 with Kemeny on the bench. I feel that Wells is being given a rest as he might have a few knocks. One thing which can't be argued is the physicality of the all aussie games very high. Skill level and pace is not at the high level consistency of the Kiwi comp, but the physicality is absolutely there.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Lonergan is better than Fines. Good running game even if not quite as dynamic as Fines, better pass and by far the better kicker, I think he is still 100% at goal this season. I expect him to be starting over Powell soon enough if he stays injury free.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Cheers Brett. As risky as it is having Lloyd and Ross both on the bench, it's preferable to seeing Slipper miss the rest of the season picking up an injury that could have been managed. Just wish they had the depth to manage AAA's minutes a bit more too.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah I think Brett confirmed it which makes more sense. I didn’t mind Wessels resting Philip because Philip won’t be here next year and giving Ha’angana game time is important to replace him.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Leave Bundy out of this.... them could be considered fighting words if I’d drank half a bottle of it.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
He isn’t a great player either. Good might be pushing it... Average might be the word.