Melbourne Rebels regain star fullback, bolster bench for Jaguares
The Melbourne Rebels have regained one of their most important players for their clash with the Argentina Jaguares at AAMI Park on Saturday.
Fullback Dane Haylett-Petty will make his return to the starting side after a concussion sidelined him in the loss to the NSW Waratahs last month.
Haylett-Petty is one of five changes to the starting 15 for the Rebels including his brother Ross Haylett-Petty, who comes into the back row. Second-rower Geoff Parling, prop Sam Talakai and breakaway Richard Hardwick are also in the side.
Dane Haylett-Petty is back after suffering a concussion against the Waratahs last month.
Photo: AAPRising star Jack Maddocks will return to the wing after deputising at fullback, while forwards Jermaine Ainsley, Matt Philip, Jordan Uelese and Lopeti Timani will come off the bench and provide punch in the second half.
The Rebels will be without one of their most potent attackers in centre Reece Hodge, who will be rested after battling a minor hamstring problem. Breakaway Angus Cottrell was omitted from the 23.
Hardwick and Talakai will make their first starts as Rebels, after coming off the bench in previous games.
While Cottrell isn’t expected to play this week, his worth to the Rebels was shown by the club’s decision to re-sign him for 2019.
Cottrell arrived in Melbourne at the start of pre-season without a contract and desperate to prove his surgically repaired knee could still handle the strain of the professional game.
The 28-year-old has done that and more, performing well for the Rebels during their strong start to the season. On Wednesday, he finalised an extension for 2019.
“Certainty is always good, especially with the last 12 months and everything that has gone on,” Cottrell told Fairfax Media on Thursday.
“I had some confidence [when I arrived] that if I put my head down and worked, then my ability was there. I had to prove myself and I was able to do that.
“Having re-signed for another year is great, now I’ll put that in the back pocket and focus on what I came here to do - and that’s play rugby.”
The Rebels are coming off a bye and have seen their lead at the top of the Australian conference whittled down to a point, with the Waratahs close behind and the ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds picking up steam.
The Jaguares (2-5 win-loss) haven’t made much of their road games since coming into the competition but have plenty of international quality and will pose a big test.
“The boys know it’s a big game for us and especially with the Waratahs creeping up on us, we know a win here will be beneficial for us towards the end of the season,” Cottrell said.
“The Jaguares had a tough game in Buenos Aires against the Crusaders, they stuck with them for 60 minutes and now they will be here in our Stockade but you can’t take them lightly as their backs are up against the wall.
“They are a big bunch of boys who can throw the ball around and are fantastic at times.
“The boys have been doing their homework and will be ready to face a good Argentine side on Saturday.”
The Rebels will all wear the socks of their Victorian clubs for Saturday’s game as part of the team’s club and community round.
The Rebels play the Jaguares at AAMI Park on Saturday at 3.15pm.
Melbourne Rebels team to face Jaguares: 1. Tetera Faulkner, 2. Anaru Rangi, 3. Sam Talakai, 4. Geoff Parling, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Ross Haylett-Petty, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Amanaki Mafi, 9. Will Genia, 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Billy Meakes, 13. Tom English, 14. Jack Maddocks, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty. Reserves: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. Ben Daley, 18. Jermaine Ainsley, 19. Matt Philip, 20. Colby Fainga’a, 21. Lopeti Timani, 22. Michael Ruru, 23. Sefa Naivalu.