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Fast and fearless. That’s the style of rugby the Rebels want to play.
Can it work? Well, it’ll be significantly harder without key Test forwards Rob Leota and Matt Philip. Their injuries have left the Rebels razor thin in the second-row and while Josh Kemeny’s return helps, Kevin Foote will be desperate that the “special” Trevor Hosea is back at soon as possible.
Hosea is in doubt for the opening round against the Western Force but isn’t expected to miss much rugby.
His absence will be a big blow against a Force side with plenty of experience and class in their tight-five, especially with Izack Rodda back in the second-row for Simon Cron’s side.
Trevor Hosea is in doubt to take on the Force in round one. Photo: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
Elsewhere, the absence of Wallabies outside back Andrew Kellaway, who is likely to eventually wear the No.15 jersey for the Rebels, in the early rounds is a blow too.
While fullback is the obvious choice, it’s understood Foote is strongly considering playing the Wallabies utility at inside centre, especially after his impressive showing in the position against the Brumbies in their final trial match after shifting to the role following Ray Nu’u’s injury.
Another player who excelled off the bench against the Brumbies was Joe Pincus. The outside back showed off his finishing ability by crossing the line a couple of times.
Reece Hodge could play in the centres for the Rebels in 2023. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Carter Gordon, meanwhile, will run the cutter and is expected to be given time in the No.10 jersey.
Gordon might have struggled in the early rounds last year, but the playmaker has grown with confidence during the off-season where he has been the main caller.
“That was a challenge because at that stage we had ‘Pup’ [Matt To’omua] as well,” Foote told The Roar Rugby podcast about Gordon’s development.
“I wouldn’t say it was his best game [in the opening round of 2022] and that’s fine. Did I protect him in that stage? Probably not. Maybe it was a better call to go with Pup at 10 at that stage and bring Carter off the bench, but I’ve got a lot of belief and he’s backed it up.
“Sambo [new assistant coach Tim Sampson] said to me, ‘Geez, this guy, he’s a student of the game, he’s diligent, he’s a good speaker.’
“Pup mentored him, but now Pup’s moved on and he’s got that space.
“I’ve spoken to the Wallabies staff around some bolters for the World Cup, and there’s obviously a surplus of really good young 10s in this country, which is great, but Carter should be there in and about the camps because he’s going to be really good.”
Carter Gordon is set to wear the No.10 jersey for the Rebels in 2023 following Matt To’omua’s departure. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
Who Gordon’s halves partner is remains to be seen, with Ryan Louwrens back at the Rebels and a fine player.
But given James Tuttle was on last year’s Australia A tour, the former Red could well start the year in the No.9 jersey.
The Rebels’ strength is their front-row. They have internationals in multiple positions in the front-row. But the key could be in the No.2 jersey, particularly at the lineout. Foote has a decision to make between the returning Anaru Rangi, the new man on the block Alex Mafi and World Cup member Jordan Uelese.
15: Joe Pincus
14: Lachlan Anderson
13: Stacey Ili
12: Reece Hodge
11: Monty Ioane
10: Carter Gordon
9: James Tuttle
8: Timati Ioane
7: Brad Wilkin
6: Josh Kemeny
5: Josh Canham
4: Tuaina Taii Tualima
3: Sam Talakai
2: Alex Mafi
1: Matt Gibbon
Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr, Pone Fa’amausili, Tim Cardall, Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Nick Jooste, Lukas Ripley
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.