OFFICIAL PROGRAM #REBvWAR
MELBOURNE REBELS V WARATAHS
7.40PM FRIDAY 29 JUNE AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
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WELCOME REBELS V WARATAHS FRIDAY 29 JUNE PROGRAM CONTENTS Welcome
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History of Weary Dunlop 4 Rebels U20s
7
Fa’amausili Re-signed
8
2018 Colts Grand Final
12
REBvWAR Team Lineup
13
Rebels Merchandise
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Weary Dunlop Test Lunch Luncheon
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Mafi Rearing to Go Sponsors
Design & Pre-Press Sarah Fulham James Callaghan Content Creation Matthew Lodge Brynn O’Connor Aaron Buxton Images Getty Images, Mike Baker, Dave Callow, Michael Rummery, Andrew Stevenson
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Welcome back to Super Rugby, and welcome back to The Stockade for our last home match of the 2018 Super Rugby regular season. Following a stellar June international break, it’s my pleasure to welcome all Melbourne Rebels members and fans ahead of tonight’s top of the table clash against the Waratahs. Tonight is a night to remember, with the very best of Australian rugby on show. Off-field we have been committed to supporting the biggest match of the season, with our biggest-ever lead-up promotion and biggest-ever match day experience for fans and hospitality guests. On-field, coach Dave Wessels, his coaching staff and his players have not shied away that we have the chance to do something special. The Club has broken many records already this season, and the chance to record eight wins in season is another chance for us to write another little chapter for 2018. The application and intensity in which the players trained with across the June international break leave me with no doubt that the 23 running out tonight are primed for the occasion. I extend a big congratulation to our club-record TEN Rebels that travelled with the Wallabies during the Mitsubishi Estate Ireland series, including our Wallabies stars Adam Coleman, Dane Haylett-Petty, Will Genia, Marika Koroibete and Reece Hodge. The series was a fierce battle and a clear indication of the progress Australian rugby is making. Rebels fan favourite Amanaki Mafi was also outstanding in Japan’s series against Italy, that saw the Brave Blossoms record a break-through win over the Italians in their first Test in Oita. A further congratulations to our Rebels under-20s players, Semisi Tupou, Trevor Hosea, Esei Ha’angana and Sama Malolo
who returned from France following the Junior Wallabies’ fifth-place finish in the World Rugby U20s Championship. Also during the June break, the Rebels travelled to Perth to face the Western Force – the only Australian club to embrace their World Series Rugby initiative, and a sign of great solidarity from both clubs to grow Australian rugby. In fantastic news for the Melbourne Rebels and Victorian rugby, promising young prop Pone Fa’amausili this week re-committed to the club until the end of 2020. Pone made an exciting debut in front of Rebels fans at the Stockade against the Sunwolves in May, and we’re excited to see his continued progression in the years to come. But now, Super Rugby returns. And our international players, both junior and senior, have re-joined the Club this week in anticipation for tonight’s battle with the Waratahs. With three wins in a row before the international break, we are looking to carry on our momentum into the final three games of the regular season and push to make the playoffs for the first time in our Club’s history. Finally, I’d like to officially welcome the NSW Waratahs and their fans to the Stockade, as we compete for the coveted Weary Dunlop Shield and top spot in the Australian Conference. Tonight is a night to remember, so enjoy the game and get behind the Rebels in our biggest game of the season. Go Rebels! Baden Stephenson CEO Melbourne Rebels
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STORY
History
OF THE WEARY DUNLOP SHIELD
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Tonight will see the Melbourne Rebels and NSW Waratahs do battle for the Weary Dunlop Shield for the 15th occasion. The Shield was introduced in 2011 on the entry of the Melbourne Rebels into the Australian Conference of Super Rugby. The Shield is named in honour of Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, who represented Australia and Victoria in rugby union and served as a medical officer in World War II. Sir Edward Dunlop was given his nickname ‘Weary’ during his time spent at Ormond College, Melbourne University where he excelled in studying medicine and graduated with first class honours in 1934. Dunlop not only excelled in medicine, he was also a talented rugby player, representing Victoria and then Australia in 1932. After his medical studies, Dunlop went on to join the Royal Melbourne Hospital as a junior resident in 1935 and was appointed Senior Surgical Resident in 1936. With a passion for the armed forces, Dunlop had been a school cadet and continued part-time Army service up until 1929 when he discontinued his service to concentrate on his extensive medical studies. However in 1935 he re-enlisted and was commissioned into the Australian Army Medical Corps with the rank of Captain
In 2008 Sir Edward Dunlop was inducted into the ARU Hall of Fame for making a major contribution to the game of rugby and demonstrating outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to his team and to the game in his era. The Weary Dunlop Shield also gives players from both states the chance to remember and honour the spirit and inspiration that Dunlop embodied as a medical officer in World War II, especially the time he spent as a prisoner of war throughout the construction of the Thailand- Burma railway. The Waratahs hold a historical head-to-head record of 12 wins from 14 meetings between the two teams. The Sydney-based club also currently holds the Weary Dunlop Shield after their 51-27 win over the Rebels in Round 5 of this year at Allianz Stadium.
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STORY
REBELS U20S GAIN CONFIDENCE
From World Cup Campaign
Melbourne Rebels up-and-coming centre Semisi Topou has gained confidence after a strong campaign for the Junior Wallabies at the World Rugby U20s Championship. The 19-year-old was one of four Melbourne Rebels to represent the nation, with blindside flanker Esei Ha’angana, lock Trevor Hosea and hooker Sama Malolo all donning the gold jersey in a testament to the Rebels development program. The Australians’ campaign got off to a bad start with a shock loss to the Wales U20s. A win against Japan then saw a do-or-die clash against the New Zealanders in the
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final group match. A loss to their Trans-Tasman rivals meant the Junior Wallabies missed qualification for the major semi-finals. They did however account for Italy and Argentina to finish the tournament in fifth place. After touring with the U20s team last year, Topou was a shining light for Australia, starting every game of the tournament. “I think having that extra year of experience under my belt definitely helped me out in this tournament in terms of confidence,” Topou said. “I tried to show that to the team when I got onto the field. Hopefully I encouraged the boys to follow suit.” A move from wing to outside centre allowed Topou to expand his creative play, with new-coach Jason Gilmore wanting to transfer for more possession through the young centre. “A few camps in, he (Gilmore) just told me he wanted me to get more hands on the ball,” Topou said. “He wanted me to play an important role in attack. He thought that position was at 13 and I just tried to take on board the advice. “I just tried to take it (confidence) out onto the field.”
With a Super Rugby debut under his belt in 2018, fellow Rebel, Ha’angana was impressed by the standard of the Championship and enjoyed the chance to improve his game on the elite Junior-level stage. “I guess to play some really good footy against international opponents was really good,” Ha’angana said. “The standard was really high. [It was a] good learning curve over there playing a lot of good footy and…it was just good to be in a high-profile environment. “The level of physicality and the speed of the game [is different compared to Super Rugby]. At a 20s game, it’s a lot set-piece focused – scrum is very dominant. “At the Super Rugby level, it’s a quick game and it is really physical.” For Topou, the chance to build off his U20s campaign and crack into the Rebels playing 23 is driving him for the rest of 2018. “Something I took away from ‘Gilly’ (Gilmore) was the simplicity of rugby is what gets you through and wins you games,” he said. “Any time in that gold jersey gives me confidence. “Although Super Rugby is probably more physical, I definitely take confidence out of the tournament, and hopefully I can get a spot in the 23 for the Rebels.”
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STORY The Melbourne Rebels are excited to announce the re-signing of home-grown, promising young prop Pone Fa’amausili, who will remain at the club until 2020.
“I can’t wait to reward the faith that the club has shown in me, by improving every training session and being the best I can be, so I can hopefully play a pivotal role in the club’s promising future.”
A product of the Victorian Rugby system and the Moorabbin Rams Rugby Club, Fa’amausili became the 133rd Melbourne Rebels player when he came off the bench in the Melbourne Rebels win over the Sunwolves at AAMI Park in May.
Melbourne Rebels General Manager – Professional Rugby and Pathways, Nick Ryan said the club was thrilled to secure the signature of one of Victoria’s brightest young prospects.
A tall, powerful ball-runner, Fa’amausili made his debut in the National Rugby Championship for the Melbourne Rising last season, before being signed as a supplementary squad player for the 2018 Super Rugby season. The 21-year-old has impressed this year with his performances in the BLK Dewar Shield as well as a strong performance against the Western Force in the World Series Rugby clash in Perth last month. The young prop said the re-signing was an easy decision for him to make. “Melbourne is home for me and I’m really excited to be a part of what Dave (Wessels) and the Rebels are creating,” Fa’amausili said “It was really exciting to run out on to the Stockade for my first game against the Sunwolves in front of my friends and family. I’ve always wanted to play rugby at the highest level and it was a debut for them as much as anything else.
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“Pone is an exciting talent. His reward of a contract is testament to the hard work and professionalism he’s shown,” Ryan said. “Being a product of the Rebels talent pathway in plying his craft through Victorian Rugby system, to the Melbourne Rising and then onto our list, it was satisfying to see Pone earn a debut off the bench in our last home game. “He is a player that we feel will develop and help our club in the future and we couldn’t be happier that he shares the same vision as us.” Fa’amausili joins Angus Cottrell, Jermaine Ainsley, Semisi Tupou, Richard Hardwick and Jack Maddocks as the latest Rebel to re-sign this Super Rugby season.
FA’AMAUSILI RE-COMMITS
for two years
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AAMI PARK | FRIDAY 29 JUNE | 4:45pm
HARLEQUINS 1: David Ioane
9: Matt Callaway
2: Jamie Turner
10: Henry Campbell
3: Toby Davis
11: Alexis Jillard
4: Alex Ataata
12: Melcom Kilifi (C)
5: Tobias Sanerive
13: Lazarus Afaese
6: Frisco Peteru
14: Marcus Law
7: Sam Blowers
15: Haloti Fonua
8: Peter Ah Colt (VC)
16: Nic Roostan
20: Nigel Toafa
17: Francois Le Roux
21: Josefate Waqanisau
18: Antonio Kavamoungaone
22: Johvan Leauanae
19: Isaac Aedo Kailea
23: Peleti Pologa
HEAD COACH: Paul Graham
ASSISTANT COACH: Brock Parker
MANAGER: Rankin Le Roux
ASSISTANT COACH: Eugene Mulipola
LIVE STREAMING
AAMI PARK | FRIDAY 29 JUNE | 4:45pm
MELBOURNE 1: Max Wilson
9: Michael Kosetatino
2: Seu Papalii
10: Max O’Brien
3: Joseph Owen
11: Tolu Lavea
4: Jeremy Burrill (C)
12: Cody Harris
5: Aaron Booth
13: Iakopo Mauola
6: Solomon Scanlan
14: Dylan Faamausili
7: Patrick O’Leary
15: Daniel Lucas
8: Ben Dixon
16: Fred Langley
20: Oscar Estella
17: Robbie Mackay
21: Dylan Simons
18: Andrew Telea
22: Fintan Redmond
19: Jonothan Savea
23: Antonio Faamausili
COACH: Steve Iakovidis
COACH: Max Kalepo
MANAGER: Tony Burrill
PHYSIO: Sarah Stratulate
LIVE STREAMING
7.40PM FRIDAY 29 JUNE AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE
1
MELBOURNE REBELS Ben Daley
2
Anaru Rangi
3
Sam Talakai
4
Matt Philip
5
Geoff Parling
6
Angus Cottrell
7
Colby Fainga’a
8
Amanaki Mafi
9
Michael Ruru
10
Reece Hodge
11
Marika Koroibete
12
Billy Meakes
13
Tom English
14
Jack Maddocks
15
Dane Haylett-Petty
KEEP SCORE TRIES PENALTY GOALS CONVERSIONS DROP GOALS TURNOVERS
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LINEBREAKS
TOTAL
KEEP AN EYE ON MICHAEL RURU
RESERVES 16. Nathan Charles 17. Fereti Sa’aga 18. Jermaine Ainsley 19. Ross Haylett-Petty 20. Lopeti Timani 21. Harrison Goddard 22. Jack Debreczeni 23. Sefa Naivalu
OFF-FIELD TEAM Head Coach: Dave Wessels Assistant Coaches: Joe Barakat, Shaun Berne, Kevin Foote Head of Performance: Will Markwick Player Development Coach: Craig McGrath Head of S&C: Shane Lehane Team Director: Tony Thorpe Logistics Manager: Mark Rowe Head Performance Analyst: Eoin Toolan Doctor: Dr. Bryn Savill Head Physio: Cullan Ball GM Rugby: Nick Ryan
TEAM LISTS
WARATAHS CQUECRREDS CQUECRDS 1. Tom Robertson (40) Tom Robertson
KEEP AN EYE ON 1
KURTLEY BEALE RESERV RESERVES RESERVES 16. Tolu Latu 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes 18. Paddy Ryan 19. Tom Staniforth 20. Brad Wilkin 21. Jake Gordon 22. Bryce Hegarty 23. Alex Newsome
OFF-FIELD TEAM Head Coach: Daryl Gibson Assistant Coaches: Chris Malone & Simon Cron Team Manager: Sam Cashman Team Doctor: Dr. Sharron Flahive Match Manager: Terry Woodward Comms & Media Manager: Joslyn Titus
2 3 4
2. Damien Fitzpatrick (44) Damien Fitzpatrick
5 6
5. Rob Simmons (Vice-captain, Rob Simmons11)
3. SekopeSekope Kepu (120) Kepu 4. Jed Holloway (36) Jed Holloway 6. Ned Hanigan (25) Ned Hanigan
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7. Will Miller Will(12) Miller
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8. Michael Wells (28) Michael Wells
9
9. Nick Phipps (69) Nick Phipps
10 11 12 13
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10. BernardBernard Foley (Captain, Foley100) (C) 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro (45) Taqele Naiyaravoro
14 15 KEEP SCORE
12. Kurtley Beale (123) Kurtley Beale 13. CurtisCurtis Rona (13) Rona 14. Cam Clark Cam(19) Clark 15. Israel Israel Folau (85) Folau TOTAL
TRIES PENALTY GOALS CONVERSIONS DROP GOALS TURNOVERS LINEBREAKS
13
The Wallabies Australian Rugby Team
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Ahead of the second Mitsubishi Estate Ireland Series Test in Melbourne, the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria were delighted to host the returning Weary Dunlop Test Luncheon at Palladium at Crown on June 14. Hosted by FOX Sports’ Louise Ransome, the luncheon began with a stirring and emotional story from Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels, recounting his own personal memories of South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph. The musical interlude was completed by Rebels prop and piano sensation, Fereti Sa’aga, before 1999 World Cup winner, Owen Finnegan took the floor. Wessels then returned to the stage for a “couch interview” Q&A session with Qantas Wallabies Head Coach, Michael Cheika, who confirmed the starting line-up for the second Test. Melbourne Rebels Wallabies players Will Genia, Adam Coleman, Dane Haylett-Petty and Reece Hodge also dropped by. Thank you to all attendees and supporters of what was a fantastic day to celebrate our collective love of the game of rugby.
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