Luke Burgess
Tony McGahan, Melbourne Rebels coach, has made 1 forced change to the side that defeated the Crusaders in Round 1, as the Waratahs head to AAMI Park to face the Rebels this Friday.
Scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker has been suspended for 1 week, so Wallaby Luke Burgess moves to the starting lineup and exciting 2nd-year Rebel Ben Meehan is named in the matchday 23 for the first time this year.
Whilst disappointed to lose Stirzaker, McGahan had faith in the ability of both his scrumhalves to cover the loss.
“Nic is an important player for us, but we have quality players within this position,” he said.
“Luke and Ben will drive us from scrumhalf this week. Both are looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the starting side and matchday squad respectively, and look forward to playing their role within the team.”
McGahan was pleased to be able to have some continuity in the lineup.
“Our performance and medical staff have done an excellent job in ensuring that we have an almost entirely full squad to pick from,” McGahan said.
“As with last week, that means some talented players miss out, but it’s a positive to be able to acknowledge the strong performances of Round One through retaining those players in the squad this week.”
Former Western Force hooker Ben Whittaker remains in with a chance to make his Rebels debut if he is called off the bench in this game.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Tom English, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Colby Fainga’a, 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Lopeti Timani, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Pat Leafa, 1 Toby Smith
Replacments: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 Cruze Ah-Nau, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Sam Jeffries, 20 Scott Fuglistaller, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Sefanaia Naivalu.
Date: Friday 20 February
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 10:40 SA Time (19:40 AEDT, 08.40 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: James Leckie (Australia), Michael Hogan (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)
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