Rebels bolstered before crucial clash

The Melbourne Rebels have made three changes to their starting XV ahead of their crucial clash against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.

Wallaby prop Tetera Faulkner will make his first Super Rugby appearance since the win over the Brumbies in Canberra in May, while wing Marika Koroibete has shaken off a back injury that saw him be a late withdrawal from last week’s match against the Waratahs.

Jermaine Ainsley – fresh from his inclusion in the Wallabies squad from the June series against Ireland – will start at tighthead.

Wallaby flank Richard Hardwick also makes a return to the Rebels line-up via the bench; the 23-year-old in line for his first Super Rugby match since injuring his knee against the Bulls back in Round 11.

The Rebels will also celebrate a special milestone with flank Colby Fainga’a in line to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance on Friday. Fainga’a joined the Rebels in 2014 after 35 appearances for the Brumbies.

MELBOURNE REBELS

15. Dane Haylett-Petty, 14. Jack Maddocks, 13. Tom English (C), 12. Billy Meakes, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Reece Hodge, 9. Michael Ruru, 8. Amanaki Mafi, 7. Colby Fainga’a, 6. Angus Cottrell, 5. Geoff Parling, 4. Matt Philip, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 2. Anaru Rangi, 1. Tetera Faulkner.

Replacements: 16. Nathan Charles, 17. Fereti Sa’aga, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Ross Haylett-Petty, 20. Richard Hardwick, 21. Harrison Goddard, 22. Jack Debreczeni, 23. Sefa Naivalu.

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