The Melbourne Rebels say there'll be a huge improvement in their attitude against the Crusaders at AAMI Park on Friday night after conceding four tries within half an hour in their 32-to-7 loss to the Force last weekend.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 28: Tom English of the Rebels breaks a tackle during the round three Super Rugby match between the Melbourne Rebels and the Cheetahs at AAMI Park on February 28, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
MELBOURNE coach Tony McGahan has reverted to the same XV which destroyed the Cheetahs two weeks ago as the Rebels bid to atone for their shock loss to Western Force.
Facing a Crusaders team laden with 13 internationals, McGahan welcomed the return of Tom English for Friday night's clash after the winger missed the Force match with a virus.
"Tom English is really important to us, and we saw that during the trial games and also against the Cheetahs," McGahan said.
"His carrying ability gets us over the game line, he is a great talker and has a great defensive mindset, and to have him back on the edge allows him to show off all of those qualities."
The 2013 Rebels' Rookie of the Year, English returns to the left wing, with Lachlan Mitchell named on the right wing and last week's try-scorer Telusa Veainu providing outside back cover from the interchange bench.
Paul Alo-Emile and Max Lahiff drop to the reserves, replaced in the front row by Toby Smith and Laurie Weeks, while Scott Fuglistaller returns to the side after missing the trip west.
"With the demands placed on props, I want to keep things moving and will continue to swap those players throughout the season," McGahan said.
"We're lucky enough that we have a good stable of props there, and that they will all get time.
"Scott has had a huge workload over the pre-season and through the games, so for him to have a bit of a recharge before having a good go at it now has been terrific.
"Scott brings a real edge to our play in terms of physicality, but he also brings a real mental edge to the group and helps provide Scott Higginbotham with some extra leadership on the field."
Second rower Luke Jones and No.10 Bryce Hegarty are rewarded for strong cameos off the bench in Perth, replacing Cadeyrn Neville and Angus Roberts, respectively.
"Both came on and held their own on the weekend," McGahan said.
"Luke has been in terrific form throughout the trials and Super Rugby.
"He's had a huge workload, playing almost 80 minutes for all of those matches, so we gave him a bit of a break last week and we can bring him back into the starting group.
"Bryce needed the opportunity to stay off and watch some footy off the bench, and to be able to transfer what he saw into his performance when he came on the field; we're looking forward to him starting for us this weekend."
Rebels team to play Crusaders, AAMI Park, Friday 14th March 7:40pm
1. Toby Smith
2. Pat Leafa
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Hugh Pyle
5. Luke Jones
6. Sean McMahon
7. Scott Fuglistaller
8. Scott Higginbotham (C)
9. Luke Burgess
10. Bryce Hegarty
11. Tom English
12. Mitch Inman
13. Tamati Ellison
14. Lachlan Mitchell
15. Jason Woodward
16. Shota Horie
17. Max Lahiff
18. Paul Alo-Emile
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Colby Fainga'a
21. Ben Meehan
22. Angus Roberts
23. Telusa Veainu
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