0
Exciting winger Nick Cummins has been ruled out of the ET Perth Spirit squad for this Saturday’s clash with the Melbourne Rebels at Members Equity Stadium.
Cummins suffered a cork to his right thigh just before half time in the 31-19 win over the Central Coast Rays, and will be replaced in the starting side by Dan Bailey.
Meanwhile, prop Gareth Hardy comes into the match day squad for the first time in the 2007 Mazda Australian Rugby Championship. Hardy will wear the unfamiliar no.22 jersey normally used by a reserve winger, but he is not expected to be seen in the backline this weekend.
In other changes, lock Sitaleki Timani returns to the starting XV, with Luke Doherty shifting to blindside flanker and Scott Fardy reverting to the bench.
ET Perth Spirit John Mulvihill said the Melbourne Rebels had shown their
attacking prowess in the first four rounds, having secured bonus points in all three of their wins.
“The Rebels have a class backrow that combines well with an exciting backline to create plenty of opportunities,” Mulvihill said
“They are a quality opposition and we will need to be at our best to beat them.”
Mulvihill said his side was looking forward to running out in front of the home fans after two weeks on the road.
“It will be great to be back at Members Equity Stadium this weekend –
the support of a big crowd always gives the guys a little something extra.”
The game kicks-off at 1pm (WST).
The squad is:
1.AJ Whalley
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Troy Takiari
4. Tom Hockings
5. Sitaleki Timani
6. Luke Doherty
7. Richard Brown
8. Scott Fava
9. Matt Henjak (c)
10. James Hilgendorf
11. Dan Bailey
12. Scott Daruda
13. Junior Pelesasa
14. Ryan Cross
15. Cameron Shepherd
16. Luke Holmes
17.Kieran Longbottom
18. Scott Fardy
19. Will Brock
20. James Stannard
21. Lachlan MacKay
22. Gareth Hardy