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Wallabies Kellaway and Tupou return for Rebels' derby with in-form Brumbies
By Finn Morton
The Melbourne Rebels have welcomed Wallabies Andrew Kellaway and Taniela Tupou back into their matchday squad as they prepare for an almighty challenge waiting for them in Canberra.
Kellaway is back in the run-on side at fullback while Tupou will provide impact off the bench when the Melburnians take on the high-flying ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium.
The Brumbies, who are coming off a dramatic win over the Crusaders at the very same venue, have beaten some good teams there this season and remain in the hunt for a top-two finish.
Coach Kevin Foote has named Victorian prop Isaac Kailea in the front row which also includes Jordan Uelese and powerful prop Sam Talakai.
While Angelo Smith and Josh Canham round out the tight five, watch out for the lethal backrow trio of captain Rob Leota, relentless defender Brad Wilkin and the always-dangerous Vaiolinil Ekuasi.
Ryan Louwrens will partner Jake Strachan in the halves, while Nick Jooste joins Wallaby Filipo Daugunu as the centre pairing.
Glen Vaihu starts on one wing with former SVNS Series star Darby Lancaster on the other. As mentioned, Kellaway is of course the fullback to take on the Australian powerhouse.
This match is scheduled to get underway at 7:35 pm AST on Friday night.
Melbourne Rebels to take on ACT Brumbies
- Isaac Kailea
- Jordan Uelese
- Sam Talakai
- Angelo Smith
- Josh Canham
- Rob Leota (c)
- Brad Wilkin
- Vaiolinil Ekuasi
- Ryan Louwrens
- Jake Strachan
- Glen Vaihu
- Nick Jooste
- Filipo Daugunu
- Darby Lancaster
- Andrew Kellaway
Replacements
- Ethan Dobbins
- Matt Gibbon
- Taniela Tupou
- Luka Callan*
- Maciu Nabolakasi
- Tuaiana Taii Tualima
- James Tuttle
- Mason Gordon
*Denotes Melbourne Rebels debut
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The following players need to be dropped in 2025: Papilii, Blackadder, Jacobson, ALB, Havili, Reese, Tele’a, and Perofeta.
All are in their late 20s or older and have proven in 2024 they are simply not good enough to be a quality test starter. It is shocking how BOTH Reese and Tele’a have lost their pace. Tele’a is a shell of the player he was in 2023. Perofeta has never fulfilled his promise as either a 10 or 15. This generation’s Isaiah Toeava.
Have no clue who should replace these players at this time but confident that new players will step up in Super Rugby.
Go to comments"Barrett out of position" is a strange thing to say when overall he has played more games at 15 than at 12. I agree with the statement you made in your first comment - he's a great addition and Leinster's attack will be better with him.
Regarding ST's defence - they have conceded the fewest in the Top14 this season.
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