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Rebels rush returning Top League fullback into the side to bolster strength ahead of clash against the Hurricanes

By AAP
(Joe Allison / www.Photosport.nz)

The Melbourne Rebels have rung the changes for Friday night’s clash with the Hurricanes in a bid to make up for their round-one flop in the Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.

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The Rebels were thrashed 50-3 by the Blues in Melbourne last week and interim coach Kevin Foote has been quick to react to that heavy defeat.

Winger Andrew Kellaway has been rushed straight into the starting side after signing with the Rebels for the remainder of the Trans-Tasman competition following his stint with Japanese side NEC Green Rockets.

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Wallabies squad member Trevor Hosea has been selected at right lock while No.8 Isi Naisarani returns to the starting side after serving his three-match ban.

Joe Powell has a new partner at the halves with Carter Gordon’s impressive run of form earning him a promotion at starting flyhalf.

Captain Matt To’omua has shifted to inside centre to accommodate Gordon’s inclusion.

George Worth has been named at fullback for the match at Sky Stadium.

“We are really pumped to have two great players coming back into our pack in Trevor and Isi, who are both very physical and keen to get back after suspension while Kellaway brings experience and a very balanced game to our back three,” Foote said.

“With a short turnaround and travel we have really come into the week with a great focus and energy to be better.

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“We know that our set piece and exits were not up to scratch and our defence means more to us than what was presented last week, and we’re looking forward to Friday night.”

Friday night’s contest will be the Rebels first of three straight road games and is the first match the team has played in New Zealand in 448 days.

Rebels: George Worth, Andrew Kellaway, Campbell Magnay, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Joe Powell, Isi Naisarani, Joshua Kemeny, Michael Wells, Trevor Hosea, Robert Leota, Cabous Eloff, Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr. Res: James Hanson, Matt Gibbon, Lucio Sordoni, Ross Haylett-Petty, Richard Hardwick, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Frank Lomani.

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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