Melbourne Rebels
52
Match Complete
Western Force
14
| R. Hodge |  | 77 | ||
| V. Ekuasi |  | 76 | ||
| R. Hodge | | 74 | ||
| N. Jooste | | 73 | ||
| R. Hodge | | 69 | ||
| L. Anderson | | 67 | ||
| 60 | | M. Burey | ||
| 59 | | S. Spink | ||
| R. Hodge | | 57 | ||
| R. Hardwick | | 56 | ||
| J. Kemeny | | 47 | ||
| R. Hodge | | 34 | ||
| S. Talakai | | 33 | ||
| R. Hodge | | 19 | ||
| B. Wilkin | | 18 | ||
| R. Louwrens | | 10 | ||
| 5 | | M. Burey | ||
| 4 | | S. Spink |
| 8 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 6 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Rebels and Force lock horns at AAMI Park with big inclusions on both teams. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 7.30pm AEST.
Simon Cron has made four changes to his match-day 23, including the long-awaited inclusion of Wallabies lock Izack Rodda off the bench.
The 34-capped Wallaby re-joins the team after injuring his foot in the pre-season match against Fijian Drua.
Standing at 202cm, Rodda’s physicality will be welcomed against an impressive Rebels forward pack. He will come on in the second-row, where, ever consistent Jeremy Williams and dominant ball runner Felix Kalapu start the match.
The front-row makeup is 21-year-old Siosifa Amone, who starts at tighthead prop, alongside Angus Wagner and Folau Fainga’a at hooker.
But the Force have suffered a major blow with the loss of Test prop Tom Robertson to an ACL injury. The Wallabies’ stocks are already low with the injury to Angus Bell, and Robertson was ranked second only to James Slipper on The Roar’s most recent Wallabies power rankings.
Izack Rodda. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Melbourne Rebels head coach Kevin Foote has made six changes for the Round 14 clash, in the home side’s final match at AAMI Park for 2023.
Star flyhalf Carter Gordon returns for his 12th match of the season after overcoming a knee bruise, while milestone man Reece Hodge shifts back to 12 after covering in Gordon’s absence last week.
Workhorse Josh Kemeny has also been recalled for his first match since Round 11, named alongside captain Brad Wilkin and Richard Hardwick in the back row, while Vaiolini Ekuasi will provide valuable second-half impact.
Rising hooker Theo Fourie, has been named to make his Super Rugby debut.
After arriving at the club in 2020, Fourie has worked closely under the guidance of capped internationals Jordan Uelese and Rebels alumni James Hanson, and looms as a player to watch for the crucial clash.
Rebel Sam Talakai, said the players were focused on putting in a strong performance for their loyal fans and celebrating teammate Reece Hodge’s spectacular achievement.
“Last week was really tough for us, but we reviewed hard and we’re now focused on this week and being composed in the big moments and turning those tight losses into wins,” said Talakai.
“The Force present a really tough opposition for us, especially defensively, so for us we’ve got to narrow the focus and bring what we have to the last home game and put on a good performance for ourselves, our family and friends, and for our awesome members and supporters.
“It’s a big occasion for the club with Hodgey as well. Reece is a special part of this group, and brings a wealth of experience. How he conducts himself day to day – he’s the ultimate professional and for us, we want to make the night extra special for him.”
Game Information
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick off time: 7.35pm AEST
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Rebels $1.40 Force $3.00 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Matt Philip, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Reece Hodge, Lukas Ripley Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway.
Replacements: Theo Fourie, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Pone Fa’amausili, Trevor Hosea, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste, Joe Pincus.
Force (1-15): Angus Warner, Folau Fainga’a, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Vosayaco, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia.
Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Bo Abra, Izack Rodda, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman.
Referee: Dan Waenga.
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Hamish had a night to forget with 2 intercept tries
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Wilkin did some great things but also was responsible for the first Force try through his defensive error
piru
Roar Rookie
There's always a few 50/50 but I liked how quick he was to give the call to the bloke over the ball. Force needed to be quicker in cleaning out and support, it's been a weakness at times this year and really got shown up tonight
ScottD
Roar Guru
My understanding is he signed a two year contract so should be around next year.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Given that performance, I expect Waenga to surpass all the other refs we've seen in SRP this year. Too late to get to this year's RWC but expect him to be in big test matches in the future.
Nivlek
Roar Rookie
Spink is a tremendous player - is he at the force next year?. Shame kibirigi didn’t see much ball tonight. Good to see rodda back. For the Rebs I thought CG was great. Gibbon & talakai did really well. I thought young canham had a good game and is growing in stature.
mattocks15
Roar Rookie
Dan Waenga. His name was in the preview. Looked him up. Ex fly half from NZ. Played NPC a couple super rugby games and in france as well Had a good game as referee tonight.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Yeah, good point
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Sorry, noted
Noodles
Roar Rookie
Carter Gordon really owns his job. Wilkins might well have moved himself into the WB lists. Gibbon and Talakai will be good to watch against the Ponies pack. And I suspect Canham will be getting attention shortly. Nice to see the Rebels own the 80.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Settle down big guy
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
The clip clop club :thumbup:
TC
Roar Rookie
Nick on commentary they said he played u20 Kiwi's and OS with one of the commentary team..Played at a high level..Liked him a lot
ScottD
Roar Guru
The young lads will be better for that experience and I think they've both shown us a bit this year but it still shows that we are lacking in depth in the front row. We need another strong bodied hooker with Folau going and we need at least another experienced THP (preferably an international). Rodda looked pretty good for his first game back. He'll be better next week. I'm happy Spink is staying.
TC
Roar Rookie
TCFB 90% is better than 50% :laughing:
TC
Roar Rookie
ATW he has Always looked like a slow runner, but seems to cover the ground ok..Kinda like Paul Hauff from the Broncos and Queensland
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
I think there's a competition to see who can get away with the F bomb. I blame that Irish lad Mack Hansen.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Go Spinksy's mum! How about you stay for 5 years?
TC
Roar Rookie
Sly I mentioned earlier that he reminds me of Heenham? Unfortunately he had too many injuries..Hope this Fella is different
TC
Roar Rookie
Oz I just hope he eventually comes back to Australia..Has Skills