AAMI PARK,MELBOURNE
Blues:
Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Anton Segner, Dalton Papalii (c), Adrian Choat, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Lay, Cameron Suafoa, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Caleb Tangitau.
REBELS (1-15):
Cabous Eloff, Alex Mafi, Pone Fa’amausili, Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Lachie Anderson, Joe Pincus
RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Angelo Smith, Tuaina Taii Tualima, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste, Lukas Ripley
The record shows won 3,lost 3, This is a must win and they have rested All Blacks Hoskins Sotutu and Stephen Perofeta after they had played all six matches , while the Blues have brought back in-form wing Mark Telea after his week off and promoted senior lock Patrick Tuipulotu back to starting duty after his successful turn off the bench in the 2013 defeat to the Chiefs.
That sees Zarn Sullivan get another start at fullback in Perofeta’s absence, Adrian Choat slot back into a rejigged loose trio alongside skipper Dalton Papalii and young comer Anton Segner, Telea replace AJ lam on the right wing and Tuipulotu join Sam Darry in the second row, with Cameron Suafoa dropping to the bench.
Internationals Akira Ioane and Roger Tuivasa Sheck and utility back Bryce Heem are all still unavailable .
The Rebels have won three of their last four Super Rugby matches at AAMI Park, while the Blues will be looking to avoid back-to-back defeats in the competition for the first time since April 2021.
Referee: Reuben Keane
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan
PREDICTION
I think the Blues will win this but, by how much will come down to the Melbourne weather. The forecast is for wet and cold which may suit the home side better. For that reason I will go conservative and back the Blues by 9 points.
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