Coach Dave Wessels has been forced to make three changes and three positional shifts to the Rebels’ starting lineup for Friday’s match against the Stormers at Newlands.
In the backline, fullback Dane Haylett-Petty has been ruled out with an injury. Billy Meakes has been elevated to the run-on side, but he starts at inside centre with Jack Maddocks moving to fullback. Tom English shifts to wing and Reece Hodge switches from No 12 to 13.
In the pack, Ross Haylett-Petty is replaced by Lopeti Timani at flank, while tighthead prop Jermaine Ainsley earns his first start since March.
On the bench, 20-year-old hooker Sama Malolo is in line to make his debut if he comes on at Newlands.
Rebels – 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Tom English, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Angus Cottrell, 6 Lopeti Timani, 5 Adam Coleman (c), 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Tetera Faulkner.
Subs: 16 Sama Malolo, 17 Fereti Sa’aga, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Geoff Parling, 20 Colby Faina’a, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Semisi Tupou, 23 Sefa Naivalu.
Photo: https://www.rugby.com.au
