Rebels v Reds preview

The Rebels and Reds will meet at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on Friday in Round 4 of the Super Rugby tournament.

The Rebels lineup has seen a few changes since last week’s loss against the Waratahs.

The most notable change is that of James O’Connor, who moves from the fullback position into flyhalf, following a hand injury to Kurtley Beale.

Uncapped utility back Angus Roberts has been called up and named at fullback for the starting XV.

Gareth Delve will remain on the injured list despite excepting to return for the match.

Kimami Sitauti, Jason Woodward, Cooper Vuna and Chris Thomson are still out of selection contention for the match.

James O’Connor (also holding the captain’s armband) will be a key aspect for the Rebels’ performance.

The 22-year old will need to use his pace and playmaking skills to get the backline on the front-foot, and given his recent touches as playmaker, it shouldn’t be a problem.

O’Connor will also need to be weary on defence against the unpredictable opposing flyhalf (and good friend) Quade Cooper.

The Rebels forwards did will against the Waratahs in the first half of last week’s match, and if they match that intensity, they could have the upper-hand in that department.

The Reds side gets a boost from Wallaby Anthony Faingaa, who returns from injury into the outside centre position.

The 26-year old partnering up with Ben Tapuai has proved to be a solid combination, and should be one of the Reds’ strengths against the Rebels midfield.

Nick Frisby also steps into scrumhalf for Ben Lucas, and Jono Lance gets pushed into the starting lineup at fullback.

Ioane and Shipperley remain dangers on the wing, but the real battle will be between Quade Cooper and James O’Connor, both in the flyhalf position.

The two are unpredictable playmakers and will be looked to in order to inspire their respective backlines.

Rebels team:

15 Angus Roberts, 14 Richard Kingi, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Alex Rokobaro, 10 James O’Connor (captain), 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Paul Alo-Emile, 18 Jordy Reid, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Nic Stirzaker, 21 Rory Sidey, 22 Tom English.

Reds team:

1. Greg Holmes 2. Saia Faingaa 3. James Slipper (c) 4. Ed O’Donoghue 5. Rob Simmons 6. Eddie Quirk 7. Liam Gill 8. Jake Schatz 9. Nick Frisby 10. Quade Cooper 11. Digby Ioane 12. Ben Tapuai 13. Anthony Faingaa 14. Dom Shipperley 15. Jono Lance
Replacements: 16. James Hanson 17. Albert Anae 18. Adam Wallace-Harrison 19. Radike Samo 20. Ben Lucas 21. Mike Harris 22. Chris Feauai-Sautia