SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC, ROUND 11 MELBOURNE REBELS v BLUES

FRIDAY ,MAY 3rd, 2024 AAMI PARK,MELBOURNE

Blues Forward Cam Suafoa Returns After Battling Cancer

In the best storyline of the Super Rugby week, Blues forward Cam Suafoa is back.

Midway through last month, Suafoa stepped away from the Blues to concentrate on his treatment for a cancerous tumour in his back after the 25-year-old was balancing playing with his radiation treatment, earlier in the 2024 season.

Suafoa, who captains North Harbour in the NPC competition, has been named on the bench for the Blues on Friday night.

And in a message to everyone, get any lumps checked. You have options, visit a physiotherapist, see your general practitioner, or consult anyone you trust. The key is to get an X-ray or an ultrasound if something feels off. Don’t ignore it, life is too short.

But he returns on Friday night in what is a vital match for the Blues, who sit just a single point behind the Hurricanes.

PJ Sheck Makes Blues Debut at Loosehead Prop

PJ Sheck, who featured in a single game for the Highlanders last year, will mark his debut for the Blues as a loosehead prop.

Akira Ioane is on paternity leave with Finlay Christie (groin), Stephen Perofeta (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (knee) and Rob Rush (calf) remaining on the injured list.

Blues. 

Cole Forbes, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), PJ Sheck*, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. 

Reserves. Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cam Suafoa, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Bryce Heem.

Captain Rob Leota Returns to Lead the Rebels

 A hearty welcome back, Captain! Rob Leota rejoins the starting lineup for the first time since Round 6 against the Waratahs. His return has been bolstered by the formidable back row of the Rebels, featuring Ekuasi, Kemeny, Taii Tualima, and Nabolakasi, providing ample support for his rehabilitation efforts.

Isaac Kailea Leads the Rebels’ Front Row

The Rebels’ front row is spearheaded by Isaac Kailea at loosehead, who has consistently demonstrated his value week after week for the team. He stands out as one of the most reliable performers in the set piece and across the field. In the 2024 season, this young prop has truly come into his own, featuring in 8 out of 9 games so far. He excels in carrying the ball into contact and displays unwavering commitment to his teammates by putting his body on the line.

 Joining him, the seasoned Wallabies Jordan Uelese and Taniela Tupou complete the front row, presenting them with the chance to demonstrate their abilities in starting roles against a formidable Blues pack. Angelo Smith partners with Josh Canham in the lock positions, forming the engine room to provide crucial support in set-piece situations.

Rebels Back Row to Bring Joy to AAMI Park

The starting back row comprising Josh Kemeny, Vailoini Ekuasi, and Rob Leota will undoubtedly bring joy to the Rebels faithful at AAMI Park. continues to shine as a starter, leading the Rebels with defensive efforts, making 106 tackles with an average of 17.4 per 80 minutes played. 

The physicality of these three players will be crucial to the Rebels’ success this Friday night, as they’ll need to make an early impact to halt any momentum from their opposition.

Louwrens and Gordon: The Game Controllers

Ryan Louwrens and Carter Gordon maintain their partnership as the orchestrators of their team’s gameplay. Louwrens’ adept ball-handling skills have been instrumental in the Rebels’ attacking strategies this season, topping the charts for try assists in the competition and also scoring two tries himself. His threat connecting with short ball runners around the breakdown has created many game-changing moments throughout the year and forces hesitation in defences.

Midfield Shift: Feliuai and Proctor Pair Up

A midfield shift sees David Feliuai partner with Matt Proctor getting his second start of the year. The seasoned outside centre offers stability in the backline, bringing a wealth of experience and composure that will facilitate the connection between the midfield and the edges.

Lancaster and Daugunu on the Wings

Darby Lancaster takes the starting position in the number 11 jersey, with the aim of capitalizing on the connection from midfield to unleash the rapid winger. Meanwhile, on the opposite flank, Filipo Daugunu earns his second start on the wing. As a powerful ball runner, he has been most effective from this position, proving to be a handful for opponents both with ball in hand and at the breakdown.

Andrew Kellaway: Fullback Stability

Andrew Kellaway maintains his position at fullback, where his ability to maintain direction and control, especially under pressure, proves pivotal in both offensive and defensive efforts.

Rebels. 

Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Matt Proctor, Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Kellaway

Reserves. Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Jack Maunder, Jake Strachan, Lachie Anderson

Referee. Angus Gardner, Assistant Referees.  Matt Kellahan, James Palmer

Prediction: Blues Continue Winning Streak

Super Rugby’s entertainers the Blues will continue their Australian tour with a trip to Melbourne on Friday night as they seek their fifth straight game scoring at least 40 points and sixth straight win.

Last week’s tense finish in Brisbane broke their run of 20+ point wins but the Rebels should only present a minor hurdle for them to clear here.

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