We value your privacy

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.

With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation. You may click to consent to our and our partners’ processing as described above. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

More Options

Rebels are star-studded!

By Online Editors
Thursday 28 Jun 2012

For the first time this season the Rebels will field all of their three biggest names in the starting XV when they tackle the Reds in Melbourne on Friday.


Injuries have meant that this will be the first time James O'Connor, Kurtley Beale and Stirling Mortlock all start together in what is an exciting backline with plenty of firepower.


The match will also be veteran Mortlock's last match on Australian soil before he retires from rugby at the end of the Super Rugby season. The Rebels play their final two matches away in South Africa, so this will be the final opportunity to see the Wallaby legend in action in Australia.


Rebels fans will also be waving a fond farewell to two other players, as this will be the last match for lock Al Campbell and utility back Julien Huxley.


Campbell is retiring and will hang up his boots after the final whistle on Friday, while Huxley is jetting off to continue his career in France.


"Both players have been tremendous for a start-up club and have played a lot of matches between them for us," Rebels coach Damien Hill said.


Hill also pointed out that a man to watch on Friday might be flank Hugh Perrett, who has impressed the coach this season enough to crack the nod for the starting XV.


"Hugh Perrett captains the Eastwood side in Sydney and has come through our rising programme," Hill said. "He's done a great job for us when he's had a chance this year."


Melbourne Rebels: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Hugh Perrett, 6 Tom Chamberlain, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Jono Owen, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Nic Henderson.

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Rodney Blake, 18 Al Campbell, 19 Tim Davidson, 20 Nic Stirzaker, 21 Lachie Mitchell, 22 Julian Huxley.


Date: Friday, June 29

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)

Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Angus Gardner (Australia)

TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Recommended

Trending

1
South African forward leaves Glasgow
2
Surprising stat from Springboks' 2024 season
3
Feinburg-Mngomezulu's latest injury a cause for concern