Rebels change one for Reds clash

David Skippers
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Coach of the Rebels Dave Wessels and captain Dane Haylett-Petty (left) are seen after the Round 13 Super Rugby match between the Melbourne Rebels and the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Friday, May 10, 2019. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

Coach Dave Wessels has rewarded his chargers for their victory over the table-topping Brumbies last week and named a near unchanged line-up for Saturday’s clash against the Reds.

Prop Pone Fa’amausili is the only new face in the starting XV, coming in for Jermaine Ainsley.

Vice-captain Michael Wells and emerging lock Esei Haangana have also been recalled to the matchday squad, sliding onto the bench in place of Michael Stolberg and Rob Leota.

At outside centre, former Red Campbell Magnay will lock horns with ex-Rebel and Victorian junior Hunter Paisami in a midfield battle that will feature as a key match-up.

Unsurprisingly, though, it’s the reinstated prop Fa’amausili, who created headlines during the Rebels’ Round Two match against the Reds, that will draw the most attention.

His battle against Taniela Tupou will be a battle of two of the most exciting big men in Australian rugby.

“He’s definitely a point of difference for us,” said Wessels about the 133kg Fa’amausili.

“He’s still a young guy and good performances come on the back of good preparation, so I’m not stressing too much on his performance.

“We’re pushing hard for him to get his preparation right and that he’s diligent during the week with everything he should be doing, and he’s been great.”

Should he see minutes off the bench, Charles Abel will become the Rebels 17th debutant in 2020 and be welcomed into the family as Rebel 161.

“Charlie is the brother of Robbie Abel, who was with us in the past and is now with the Waratahs, so we know the family pretty well,” Wessels said.

“But he’s got some rugby league in his background and has recently comeback to rugby and I think he’ll surprise a lot of people.

“He’s not well known but he’s really made an impression with us.”

The round Seven clash presents a unique opportunity for the Melbourne men; a potential fourth straight victory would set a new club record.

Furthermore, with the table topping Brumbies enjoying the bye this week, a victory will see the Rebels jump to top of the ladder.

Wessels added: “We were pleased with our performance last week and as I said after the game, we never get too up and never get too down.

“We’ve got to reproduce that, and I’m pleased we’ve got some momentum going into the finals, which is the way you want to do it, but Saturday will be a totally different contest and the Reds will be right up for it.

“If we get the win, then we’ll be top of the comp and I’d be really proud of the guys under very difficult circumstances – we’ve played every game away in this comp and we’re missing a lot of established players that have been part of our group for a long time.

“So, the fact we are still able to perform well and are building up to some good performances, is something to be really proud of.”

Rebels:15 Reece Hodge, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Campbell Magnay, 12 Matt To’omua (c), 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Andrew Deegan, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr
Replacements: 16 Efitusi Maafu, 17 Cabous Eloff, 18 Charles Abel, 19 Esei Ha’angana, 20 Michael Wells, 21 Richard Hardwick, 22 James Tuttle, 23 Billy Meakes

Date: Saturday, August 15
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19:15 (10:15 BST, 09:15 GMT)
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant referees: Nic Berry, Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan

Melbourne Rebels