AAMI PARK,MELBOURNE
The Reds have backs Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia in two of three changes from the win over Drua, with Kalani Thomas set to run-on at scrumhalf for the sixth time in his career. Isaac Henry returns via the bench leaving McDermott on the bench. It will give Thomas some important time in the saddle to start the match, but it will also allow the Wallabies halfback to finish the match in a game that is likely to go down to the wire.
Paisami will give the Reds a huge amount of punch and class in the midfield, while Petaia’s return is welcomed. Suliasi Vunivalu’s absence is precautionary, with the Reds aware the explosive winger has suffered cramp in the past few rounds.
Harry Wilson will celebrate his 50th Queensland cap, while prop Phransis Sula-Siaosi is in line for a Super Rugby debut following Sef Fa’agase’s three-week ban.
James O’Connor will start at 10,with Tom Lynagh out with concussion. O’Connor v Carter Gordon should be a good contest.
“The Rebels have been impressive so far this season. In Melbourne they will be hard to beat.
Rebels will miss Wallabies star Reece Hodge who broke his finger last week and could be sidelined for some time.
He has been replaced by rising talent David Feliaui, while Joe Pincus returns at fullback.
Elsewhere, Richard Hardwick has picked a minor injury and has been replaced by Vaiolini Ekuasi.
Rebels
(1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Trevor Hosea, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lachie Anderson, Joe Pincus.
Replacements: Anaru Rangi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Glen Vaihu, Nick Jooste.
Reds:
Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Tate McDermott, Isaac Henry, Taj Annan.
Referee: Graham Cooper
PREDICTION.
For me the Reds should scrape in here but not by much. Their tight five are suspect but they have some good backs available. It comes down to points available here, and I am going to go with the Rebels with a 10.5 points start @$1.48
Comments