The Rebels and Brumbies have unveiled their starting lineups for Friday’s Super Rugby AU clash in Sydney.
Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made six personnel swaps and a few positional changes.
Campbell Magnay, Andrew Deegan and Frank Lomani all come into the backline, with Tom Pincus, Billy Meakes and Ryan Louwrens dropping out of the team.
Campbell will play outside centre, meaning Andrew Kellaway moves to wing in place of Pincus. Meakes’ omission results in Matt Toomua shifting from flyhalf to inside centre, opening the door for Deegan to start at No 10.
And at scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens loses his spot to Frank Lomani.
In a new-look back row, flanks Brad Wilkin and Josh Kemeny return as the starting flanks ahead of Richard Harwick and Michael Wells, while in the second row, lock Matt Philip cracks the nod at No 4 in place of Esei Haangana.
Elsewhere, the Brumbies have made just two direct swaps, one in the backline and one in the pack.
Andy Muirhead has been selected at left wing, replacing Tom Wright, and Tom Cusack takes over from Will Miller at flank.
Melbourne Rebels – 15 Reece Hodge (c-c), 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Campbell Magnay, 12 Matt Toomua (c-c), 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Andrew Deegan, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr.
Subs: 16 Efitusi Ma’afu, 17 Cabous Eloff, 18 Pone Fa’amaluli, 19 Michael Stolberg, 20 Richard Harwick, 21 Rob Leota, 22 James Tuttle, 23 Billy Meakes.
Brumbies – 15 Tom Banks, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Andy Muirhead, 10 Bayley Kuenzie, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Tom Cusack, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Nick Frost, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Scott Sio.
Subs: 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Harry lloyd, 18 Tom Ross, 19 Will Miller, 20 Ben Hyne, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Mack Hansen, 23 Len Ikitau.
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