The return of Reece Hodge has boosted the Rebels’ starting lineup for Saturday’s clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.
Hodge returns from injury to play at outside centre with Billy Meakes on his inside.
Matt To’omua will steer the attack at No 10 and Ryan Louwrens cracks the nod as the starting scrumhalf. Marika Koroibete and Andrew Kellaway will start on the wings and Dane Haylett-Petty will captain the side from fullback.
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Injuries and departures have forced coach Dave Wessels to name a new-look pack.
Wallabies No 8 Isi Naisarani is out with a hamstring strain while hooker Anaru Rangi has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Michael Wells comes in for Naisarani at eighthman and Test hooker Jordan Uelese will step up to the starting spot in Rangi’s absence.
Matt Philip will team up with former Sunwolves lock Michael Stolberg in the second row.
The 21-year-old Josh Kemeny will make his debut at blindside flank and Richard Hardwick has been named at openside flank.
Teams: Super Rugby Aotearoa and AU
Rebels – 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (c), 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Michael Stolberg, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Matt Gibbon.
Subs: 16 Efitusi Ma’afu, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Jermaine Ainsley, 19 Trevor Hosea, 20 Esei Haangana, 21 Rob Leota, 22 Frank Lomani, 23 Andrew Deegan.
Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
