The Melbourne Rebels match day 23 has been announced for their much-anticipated match-up with the Crusaders in Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific.
After three straight wins before the bye week, the Rebels head to Christchurch with confidence and momentum at their backs. The Rebels dominant scrum has proven to be a weapon in both defence and attack this season, turning over opposition ball and draining their opposition of any attacking opportunity.
The biggest shift however has been the Rebels' ability to close out games and execute with their fast and fearless approach to ball in play Rugby. The skill and ability to move the ball to space, create chances and make the most of any opportunity presented. Case in point with hat trick hero Darby Lancaster, who lit up AAMI Park against the Highlanders, his pace combining with his magnetic skills with the ball in those crucial moments.
The Rebels’ starting team sees Alex Mafi move into the starting hooker position after demonstrating solid form since returning from injury. Dominant props Matt Gibbon and Captain, Sam Talakai will run out as a critical part of the starting side, combining again as the drivers at scrum time.
Tuaina Taii Tualima starts again at lock, alongside the returning Josh Canham who has recovered from a head knock received against the Drua.
The starting back row of Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi and Vailoini Ekuasi are proving to be one of the most physical across the competition, with Ekuasi topping the Rebels' defence with a team-high 86 tackles for the season.
Ryan Louwrens and Carter Gordon combine again as playmakers, notching up the pairs’ ninth straight start together for the season. Gordon will bring his flat-at-the-line attacking play style to Christchurch, with the fly half leading the Rebels for carries so far this season.
Kevin Foote has opted for the hard-running David Feliuai and Filipo Daugunu in the midfield. However, the pair have more than just ball carrying and defence in the skillset, with Daugunu currently equal 2nd highest for breakdown steals in the competition.
After a red-hot start to his Super Rugby career, Darby Lancaster starts on the wing again with Lachie Anderson in the 14 jersey. The in form pair are a constant threat in the Rebels backline, and both have proven they have the speed out wide, but also the ability to get in amongst the ruckwork when needed.
The experienced Andrew Kellaway slots into fullback, cementing his place at the centre of the Rebels backfield. The Rebel has four tries to his name this season, and his silky footwork and ability to break first-up tackles are giving his teammates the momentum to attack freely in follow up play.
Speaking with the media during the week, Kellaway reiterated the importance of getting a win away in New Zealand and maintaining the team’s momentum into the later stages of the season. Talking to the run of form the Rebels have currently, “It’s a great time for us to take on a team like the Crusaders. Going to Christchurch and winning is the hardest task in our game currently in Super Rugby,” said Kellaway, knowing well that a win away from home will set his team up well for the back end of Super Rugby Pacific.
A major component of the Rebels' success can be attributed to the impact from the bench, which this week is led by Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese and Taniela Tupou in the front row. The reserve pack will have the task of fronting up against a strong Crusaders bench looking to prove a point at home.
Angelo Smith will be brought into the late game with his signature hard carrying, alongside returning back row Rob Leota. Leota’s leadership and high energy will bring an edge to the reserves, with a competitiveness that will push the Crusaders for the full 80 minutes .
Jack Maunder covers scrum half, with teammates Matt Proctor and Nick Jooste rounding out the back line impact players.
The Melbourne Rebels face the Crusaders in Round 10 of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off at 5:05PM AEST / 7:05PM NZT, Friday, April 26 in Christchurch. The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sports.
1. Matt Gibbon
2. Alex Mafi
3. Sam Talakai
4. Tuaina Taii Tualima
5. Josh Canham
6. Josh Kemeny
7. Maciu Nabolakasi
8. VaioliniI Ekuasi
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Carter Gordon
11. Darby Lancaster
12. David Feliaui
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Lachie Anderson
15. Andrew Kellaway
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Rob Leota
20. Angelo Smith
21. Jack Maunder
22. Matt Proctor
23. Nick Jooste
