Rebels reveal team for first home game in a year
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made four changes ahead of the team's Round Five Super Rugby AU clash against the Waratahs.
Wallaby Jordan Uelese will be joined in the matchday 23 by fellow Victorian Pathway product Rob Leota and Matt Gibbon, while the experienced Steve Cummins comes back into the starting XV.
The Rebels return back home to Melbourne on Friday for the first time since their 20-point victory over the Lions on March 7, 2020.
Melbourne enters the clash with a wave of confidence following the Rebels' fighting Round Four victory over an emerging Western Force side in Perth last week.
"It's nice to be able to name a relatively unchanged team," Wessels said.
"We've got to reward the boys after what I thought was a really resilient performance last week.
"Obviously, the only change to the starting XV was because of Ross Haylett-Petty's suspension. Steve Cummins will come in and Rob Leota will return back to the pack on the bench, while Matt Gibbon replaces injured Isaac Aedo Kailea, who is unfortunately unavailable.
"For many of our boys this will be the first time playing at AAMI, so this will be a very special moment for them and their families. We really just want to celebrate and thank everyone in Victoria for the support they've given us the last few months. This game means a lot to us."
Headlined by Cabous Eloff, whose early season form has caught the collective attention of the Australian rugby world, the Rebels' front row trio of Eloff, James Hanson and Pone Fa'amausili, will get the opportunity to start together for a third consecutive game.
Steve Cummins replaces the suspended Ross Haylett-Petty and will combine with Narre Warren product, Trevor Hosea, who's set to play his first Super Rugby game in his home city after making all twelve career appearances on the road.
Richard Hardwick will look to continue his impressive start to 2021, with the twenty-six-year-old joined by Josh Kemeny and Vice-Captain Michael Wells as the loose forwards.
Hardwick says he's looking forward to playing back in front of the Melbourne fans.
"It's a massive game this week and it's really awesome to be back," said Hardwick.
"Just the thought of driving in again and returning back home to AAMI Park is really exciting because the energy our fans give us is immense.
"All of the boys are super excited to be back out playing in front of our crowd again – we can't wait to see everyone's familiar faces."
The Rebels' starting backline will remain unchanged from the side which took to the field during last week's thrilling win at HBF Park, with Joe Powell and Matt To'omua to partner in the halves. Vice-Captain, Reece Hodge, will play his fourth consecutive game at inside centre this season, joined by Stacey Ili.
The back three will see one of last weekend's try scorers, Lachie Anderson, combining with Marika Koroibete on the wings, while Tom Pincus has retained his spot at fullback.
In his return to Super Rugby AU action, Jordan Uelese has been named as a front row finisher, joining Argentina's Lucio Sordoni, recent debutant Thomas Nowlan, Rob Leota and Matt Gibbon.
Gibbon is set to make his first appearance for Season 2021, after the 2019 'Spirit of Weary Dunlop' recipient successfully recovered from post-season surgery.
Glen Vaihu, James Tuttle and Frank Lomani fill out the final spots for Friday's home clash.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Tom Pincus, 14 Lachlan Anderson, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Matt To'omua (captain), 9 Joe Powell, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Joshua Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Steve Cummins, 3 Pone Faamausili, 2 James Hanson, 1 Cabous Eloff.
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Lucio Sordoni, 19 Tom Nowlan, 20 Robert Leota, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Glen Vaihu, 23 Frank Lomani.
Date: Friday, March 19
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.45 (08.45 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Amy Perrett, Graham Cooper
TMO: Brett Cronan