1
Wallaby Taniela Tupou in line for Rebels debut against Brumbies
By Finn Morton
The Melbourne Rebels will unleash marquee recruit Taniela Tupou upon the ACT Brumbies on Friday night after naming the Wallaby on the bench ahead of their season-opener.
Tupou, 27, has traded Queensland’s maroon for Melbourne’s navy strip this season on a headline-grabbing deal.
But fans will have to wait a little bit to see the man known as ‘The Tongan Thor’ in action with Tupou set to come off the pine in the No. 18 jumper.
Australian international Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, English halfback Jack Maunder, centre Filipo Daugunu and reserve Jake Strachan are also in line to debut for the Melbourne club.
“We know how important this game is to our fans, members as well as to our city and state,” coach Kevi Foote said in a statement.
“We are ready to go out there and give them a performance they can be proud of.”
Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese and Sam Talakai will lead the way for the Rebels after being named to start in the front row. Josh Canham and Salakaia-Loto round out the tight five.
To complete the forward pack, coach Foote has named the talented trio of Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin and captain Rob Leota to tackle the Brumbies.
Maunder has been handed a start at scrumhalf after impressing in the pre-season trials. The halfback will partner Carter Gordon in the halves.
David Feliuai joins former Wallaby Filipo Daugunu in the midfield, will Glen Vaihu, Lachie Anderson and Wallaby Andrew Kellaway complete the starting XV.
With tickets on sale now, rugby fans can see the Melbourne Rebels take on the Brumbies in a highly anticipated Australian derby at 7.35 pm (local time) at AAMI Park
Melbourne Rebels team to take on ACT Brumbies
- Matt Gibbon
- Jordan Uelese
- Sam Talakai
- Josh Canham
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto*
- Josh Kemeny
- Brad Wilkin
- Rob Leota (c)
- Jack Maunder**
- Carter Gordon
- Glen Vaihu
- David Feliuai
- Filipo Daugunu*
- Lachie Anderson
- Andrew Kellaway
Reserves
- Alex Mafi
- Isaac Kailea
- Taniela Tupou*
- Tuaiana Taii Tualima
- Vaiolini Ekuasi
- James Tuttle
- Jake Strachan*
- Nick Jooste
* Denotes Rebels debut ** Denotes Super Rugby Pacific debut
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Bulls' Jake White: 'It’s stupid things, stupid - unbelievably stupid'
3
Danny Wilson hits back at selection critics following Harlequins' win
4
Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs break Prem record in 14-try thriller
5
Latest Comments
As a seasoned pilot, I'd spent years flying the friendly skies of Europe, diligently saving my earnings from countless flights. So, when I decided to invest my €100,000 gratuity with ForexTilt, I thought I'd made a savvy decision. But, little did I know, my dreams of growing my savings would soon turn into a nightmare.
The platform's performance began to plummet, and before I could react, my entire investment had vanished into thin air. I was stunned, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut. This wasn't just any money; it was the result of years of hard work and sacrifice.
The reality soon set in: I'd been scammed. The disappointment and frustration were overwhelming, leaving me feeling helpless and shattered. My confidence in financial markets had been shaken to the core.
Determined to recover my stolen funds, I embarked on a quest for justice. I scoured the internet, seeking advice from friends, family, and online forums. That's when I stumbled upon Morphohack Cyber Service, a reputable firm specializing in recovering lost funds.
With trepidation, I reached out to Morphohack Cyber Service, hoping against hope that they could help me recover my stolen savings. Their team was empathetic, professional, and reassuring, giving me the confidence to pursue the recovery process.
Through their tireless efforts, Morphohack Cyber Service successfully tracked down my stolen funds and recovered the full amount. I was overjoyed, feeling like I'd been given a second chance. The recovery came just in time for Christmas, bringing me immense relief and joy.
Thanks to Morphohack Cyber Service, I regained control of my finances and rediscovered hope for the future.
Whats App: + 1 2 1 3 6 7 2 - 4 0 9 2
E-Mail: Morphohack@Cyberservices.com
Go to commentsIt was definitely a high shot: “There was one last twist in the game when Sotutu hit Peter Lakai in the head with his shoulder”. It’s a fine line between a dominant hit and a red these days.
Agree, the trio needs to work. Skills sets where one of the trio is weaker can be made up from the other two, or even the other forwards (but that’s getting on a slippery slope - tight forwards need to be dominant in their core roles first).
The All Blacks will probably settle on two all rounders, at 7 and 8; and a bruiser who can jump at 6. We’ll see. You never know what Robertson has planned. I think last year he was a bit conservative and this year (which might be his last, if results are the same as last year) could be his last chance to stamp his mark on the team.
Go to comments