The Melbourne Rebels team to take on the Blues in Round 11 at AAMI Park has been announced, with Head Coach Kevin Foote looking at a mix of experience and attacking potency in the 23.
A welcome return, Captain Rob Leota has been named as part of the run-on team, for the first time since Round 6 against the Waratahs. His return has been aided by the potent back row of the Rebels with Ekuasi, Kemeny, Taii Tualima and Nabolakasi, giving him the ability to make the most of his rehabilitation.
The Rebel’s front row is led by Isaac Kailea at loosehead, who has been proving his worth week in and out for the Rebels, as one of the groups most consistent at set piece and around the park. The young prop has had a break out 2024 season, playing 8 of 9 games this season, carrying well into contact and putting his body on the line for his teammates.
Alongside him, the experienced Wallabies Jordan Uelese and Taniela Tupou will make up the remaining front row and will be given the opportunity to show what they can do in a starting shirt against a firing Blues pack. Angelo Smith combines with Josh Canham in the lock positions as part of the engine room to support at set piece.
The starting back row of Josh Kemeny, Vailoini Ekuasi and Rob Leota will be a welcome sight for the Rebels faithful at AAMI Park. Ekuasi continues to shine as a starter, leading the Rebels with defensive efforts, making 106 tackles with an average of 17.4 per 80 minutes played.
The physicality of the three will be critical to the success of the Rebels this Friday Night, with an early start needed to stop any momentum from their opposition.
Ryan Louwrens and Carter Gordon continue their partnership as the game controllers of their side. Louwrens’ ball playing has been critical in the Rebels’ attack this season, leading the competition for try assists and sniping two of his own. His threat connecting with short ball runners around the breakdown has created many game-changing moments throughout the year and forces hesitation in defences.
A midfield shift sees David Feliuai partner with Matt Proctor getting his second start of the year. The experienced outside centre provides security in the back line, bringing a wealth of experience and poise that will help connect the midfield to the edge.
Darby Lancaster starts in the 11 jersey, with the connection from midfield an opportunity to unlock the rapid winger. Across the other side of the park, Filipo Daugunu makes his second start on the wing, the big ball runner has scored most from this position and proves to be a handful with ball in hand and at the breakdown.
Andrew Kellaway continues in his role at fullback, his direction and control when under pressure making the difference in both attack and defence.
Speaking to media during the week, Captain Rob Leota understands the importance of each game for his team, but remained focused on the job at hand and what is before them. "We know how crucial each game is - you see how tight the table is from fourth to 10th or 11th - one point can be the difference to get into that eight so we need to treat every game like it's the most important," Leota said. He wants to see his team bring back the physicality they demonstrated in earlier weeks and “being excited for the challenge against top sides like the Blues.”
Making up the impact for the Rebels in the front row are Matt Gibbon, and Ethan Dobbins alongside Sam Talakai. Tuaiana Taii Tualima moves back to the reserves, with versatility and experience enabling him to cover back row and lock when needed.
Maciu Nabolakasi lines up for his 6th game of the year after continuing to impress since his debut at home in Round 4, with the specialist openside energetic from the bench and always looking for opportunities to disrupt opposition play.
The reserve backs are made up of Jack Maunder at scrum half, with Jake Strachan making his return to the team from the bench alongside winger Lachie Anderson who will be keen to make an impact when he is called upon in the backline.
The Melbourne Rebels take on the Blues in Round 11 of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off at 7:35PM AEST, Friday, May 3 at AAMI Park. The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sports.
Starting Team
1. Isaac Kailea
2. Jordan Uelese
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Angelo Smith
5. Josh Canham
6. Josh Kemeny
7. VaioliniI Ekuasi
8. Rob Leota (c)
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Carter Gordon
11. Darby Lancaster
12. David Feliaui
13. Matt Proctor
14. Filipo Daugunu
15. Andrew Kellaway
Reserves
16. Ethan Dobbins
17. Matt Gibbon
18. Sam Talakai
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima
20. Maciu Nabolakasi
21. Jack Maunder
22. Jake Strachan
23. Lachie Anderson
