Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made one rotational and three injury-enforced changes to the team to face the Stormers in Melbourne on Friday.
Prop Sam Talakai, hooker Robbie Abel and lock Ross Haylett-Petty have all been included in the Rebels’ starting forward pack, while Semisi Tupou starts on the wing in the only change to the backline.
Wallabies winger Jack Maddocks and hooker Anaru Rangi have not been considered for selection due to suffering knee tendonitis and a rolled ankle respectively after the Rebels’ win over the Sunwolves.
Lock Matt Philip has also been sidelined with a bruised heel, while promising prop Pone Fa’amausili has been left out.
Rebels – 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Semisi Tupou, 13 Tom English, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Angus Cottrell (c), 6 Luke Jones, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Robbie Abel, 1 Tetera Faulkner.
Subs: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Jermaine Ainsley, 19 Esei Ha’angana, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Richard Hardwick, 22 Michael Ruru, 23 Campbell Magnay.
Vodacom Super Rugby teams (Round 9)
Photo: AAP
