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Rebels rush returning Top League fullback into the side to bolster strength ahead of clash against the Hurricanes

(Joe Allison / www.Photosport.nz)

The Melbourne Rebels have rung the changes for Friday night’s clash with the Hurricanes in a bid to make up for their round-one flop in the Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.

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The Rebels were thrashed 50-3 by the Blues in Melbourne last week and interim coach Kevin Foote has been quick to react to that heavy defeat.

Winger Andrew Kellaway has been rushed straight into the starting side after signing with the Rebels for the remainder of the Trans-Tasman competition following his stint with Japanese side NEC Green Rockets.

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Wallabies squad member Trevor Hosea has been selected at right lock while No.8 Isi Naisarani returns to the starting side after serving his three-match ban.

Joe Powell has a new partner at the halves with Carter Gordon’s impressive run of form earning him a promotion at starting flyhalf.

Captain Matt To’omua has shifted to inside centre to accommodate Gordon’s inclusion.

George Worth has been named at fullback for the match at Sky Stadium.

“We are really pumped to have two great players coming back into our pack in Trevor and Isi, who are both very physical and keen to get back after suspension while Kellaway brings experience and a very balanced game to our back three,” Foote said.

“With a short turnaround and travel we have really come into the week with a great focus and energy to be better.

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“We know that our set piece and exits were not up to scratch and our defence means more to us than what was presented last week, and we’re looking forward to Friday night.”

Friday night’s contest will be the Rebels first of three straight road games and is the first match the team has played in New Zealand in 448 days.

Rebels: George Worth, Andrew Kellaway, Campbell Magnay, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Joe Powell, Isi Naisarani, Joshua Kemeny, Michael Wells, Trevor Hosea, Robert Leota, Cabous Eloff, Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr. Res: James Hanson, Matt Gibbon, Lucio Sordoni, Ross Haylett-Petty, Richard Hardwick, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Frank Lomani.

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J
JW 1 hour ago
'Passionate reunion of France and New Zealand shows Fabien Galthie is wrong to rest his stars'

Where? I remember saying "unders"? The LNR was formed by the FFR, if I said that in a way that meant the 'pro' side of the game didn't have an equal representation/say as the 'amateur' side (FFR remit) that was not my intent.


But also, as it is the governing body, it also has more responsibility. As long as WR looks at FFR as the running body for rugby in France, that 'power' will remain. If the LNR refuses to govern their clubs use of players to enable a request by FFR (from WR) to ensure it's players are able to compete in International rugby takes place they will simply remove their participation. If the players complain to the France's body, either of their health and safety concerns (through playing too many 'minutes' etc) or that they are not allowed to be part in matches of national interest, my understanding is action can be taken against the LNR like it could be any other body/business. I see where you're coming from now re EPCR and the shake up they gave it, yes, that wasn't meant to be a separate statement to say that FFR can threaten them with EPCR expulsion by itself, simply that it would be a strong repercussion for those teams to be removed (no one would want them after the above).


You keep bringing up these other things I cannot understand why. Again, do you think if the LNR were not acting responsibly they would be able to get away with whatever they want (the attitude of these posters saying "they pay the players")? You may deem what theyre doing currently as being irresponsible but most do not. Countries like New Zealand have not even complained about it because they've never had it different, never got things like windfall TV contracts from France, so they can't complain because theyre not missing out on anything. Sure, if the French kept doing things like withholding million dollar game payments, or causing millions of dollars of devaluation in rights, they these things I'm outlining would be taking place. That's not the case currently however, no one here really cares what the French do. It's upto them to sort themselves out if they're not happy. Now, that said, if they did make it obvious to World Rugby that they were never going to send the French side away (like they possibly did stating their intent to exclude 20 targeted players) in July, well then they would simply be given XV fixtures against tier 2 sides during that window and the FFR would need to do things like the 50/50 revenue split to get big teams visiting in Nov.

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