Melbourne Rebels rookie Jack Maddocks will start at fullback in their Super Rugby clash with the Sharks, replacing injured Wallaby Dane Haylett-Petty.
Maddocks, 21, has been a star on the wing for the Rebels, with coach Dave Wessels using the opportunity to keep him in the line-up and also start Test flyers Marika Koroibete and Sefa Naivalu in Friday’s AAMI Park match.
Haylett-Petty was knocked out in their loss to NSW while the Rebels will also again be without Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
“Jack deserves to retain his place in the team and we’re fortunate we’ve got the two Wallabies wingers there,” Wessels said.
“When Jack’s getting the ball he’s creating problems, strategically he’s making some really good decisions and he’s incredibly fit so it’s a good opportunity for him to have a run at fullback.”
After three first-class wins, the Rebels came crashing back to earth with a 51-27 drubbing by the Waratahs last Sunday.
Played in energy-sapping heat, Melbourne blew a 20-3 lead, with Wessels admitting their heavy training load contributed to the second-half fade-out.
Wessels felt the team had responded well to their first defeat and would be up to face the Durban-based Sharks, who are coming off a loss to the Brumbies.
“What’s worked for us so far is our intensity – that’s part of our DNA – and I felt even in the first half we didn’t bring that same intensity and that’s what we want to do,” Wessels said.
“The good thing about the five day turnaround is that we haven’t had too much time to feel sorry for ourselves.”
British and Irish Lion lock Geoff Parling will make his first Super Rugby start, partnering skipper Adam Coleman, in a move designed to counter the Sharks’ formidable lineout.