Matt To’omua earns his first Rebels start in an all Wallaby backline

The Melbourne Rebels have welcomed back Isi Naisarani, Luke Jones and Anaru Rangi for their clash with the Waratahs this weekend. 

Powerful no.8 Naisarani returns to the starting line up having re-signed with the Club until 2021 earlier this week and reclaims his place in the starting line up having returned from injury.

Rebels stalwart Luke Jones will also return to his blindside flanker after recovery from a fractured cheekbone, while Anaru Rangi returns having been rested for the game against the Sunwolves.

Wallabies playmaker Matt To’omua earn his first ever Rebels start as he replaces Billy Meakes at inside centre with Reece Hodge outside of him.

In further changes to the starting XV, props Tetera Faulkner and Jermaine Ainsley will start ahead of fellow front rowers Matt Gibbon and Sam Talakai, while hooker Hugh Roach will return to the bench following the inclusion of Rangi.

Melbourne Head Coach Dave Wessels says while he’s excited to welcome back an array of players, Wessels also admits that there were some tough decisions at the selection table.

“It’s great to have those guys back in the side, but it wasn’t an easy decision,” Wessels said.

“I think the decision was made around the short turn around, so it’s obviously a fair flight to Japan and (it’s also a) six-day turnaround, so we made a fair few changes in the pack to get the freshest bodies on there.”

Wessels has also allayed Rebels fans’ fears, confirming that star scrum half Will Genia is fit to face the Waratahs after sustaining a knock to the head against the Sunwolves.

The Head Coach says Genia will take his spot in the starting XV after passing all the necessary concussion protocols.

“I got a good feeling from Will straight after the game, because he passed his HIA (Head Injury Assessment) straight away, which is always a pretty good sign,” Wessels said.

“Head injuries are a serious one, so we’re very much guided by the medical staff because there’s very strict protocols that have to be followed and tests and things that have to be passed, so we’re delighted for Will that he’s passed all of those things.”  

Meanwhile, Lalakai Foketi has replaced injured Karmichael Hunt in the Waratahs starting XV with scans revealing that Hunt will be sidelined for 12 weeks after sustaining a medial ligament tear against the Jaguares. The only other change sees Curtis Rona move to the wing with Cam Clark shifting to the bench with Adam Ashley-Cooper starting at outside centre. 

The Waratahs managed a three-point win over the Rebels the last time these two sides faced off and will need a similar result this weekend with their season on the line. While the Rebels Rebels are looking to stay in touch with the conference leaders, the Brumbies.