Rebels revel in hardworking identity

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MELBOURNE Rebels will receive a boost to its forward pack with prop Toby Smith set to return for Saturday night's clash with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

Smith has missed two weeks with a shoulder injury but is tipped to play against a team Melbourne is yet to beat in its four years in the Super Rugby competition.

Melbourne's pack has performed strongly in recent weeks and prop Laurie Weeks said it wasn't by accident.

"There was a big shift in our mentality," he said.

"(Coach) Tony (McGahan) came up to us in New Zealand a few weeks ago and said we need to find an identity.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I think we found that in the way we have really worked for each other.

"We may not be the biggest or most skilful (pack), but we work hard."

Smith's likely inclusion should help tip Saturday night's game in Melbourne's favour given Reds star prop James Slipper's suspension for a dangerous tackle.

"That's a huge loss for them," Weeks said.

"He's kind of the head honcho of their forward pack and we'll try to take advantage of that.

"I always really enjoy playing at Suncorp and it will be a huge opportunity to play against the other Australian players."

Queensland has struggled this season but Weeks said his side would take nothing for granted on Saturday night.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It's going to be a very difficult challenge — they are a Wallaby-laden team," he said.

"I think of their starting 15, 13 of them are Wallabies.

"They are looking for a bit of redemption and It's going to be a really tough game."

Rebels Back-rower Lopeti Timani has been declared fit to return to play following a knee injury which has seen him sidelined for nearly two months.

The powerful backrower, will most likely return via the Dewar Shield before looking to add to his maiden Rebels cap against the Western Force in Round 2.

While scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker's injury is not as serious as first feared, and he remains likely to feature for the club following the June international window.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Rebels revel in hardworking identity

Dengan url

http://sportlivestyle.blogspot.com/2014/05/rebels-revel-in-hardworking-identity.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Rebels revel in hardworking identity

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Rebels revel in hardworking identity

sebagai sumbernya