O’Connor captains Rebels

James O’Connor to Captain the RaboDirect Rebels against the NSW Waratahs.

RaboDirect Rebels fullback James O’Connor will be the third player in history to Captain for the RaboDirect Rebels, with regular Captain, Gareth Delve, sidelined this weekend due to a shoulder injury that has not recovered in time from last week’s 30-13 loss the Brumbies.

“Nothing is structurally wrong with Gareth’s shoulder. He took a beating last week and simply has not recovered in time for this weeks match,” said Coach, Damien Hill.

Manly Marlin Jordy Reid will come onto the bench for his first Super Rugby match, with Wallaby Spring tourists Cadeyrn Neville to start in the second row, and Luke Jones moving to the blindside flank with Scott Higginbotham packing down in the familiar position of number 8.

Damien Hill was disappointed for Delve, although happy that the Club has the talent to fill the void left by the Welsh International.

“We have spoken about the Club’s depth this year compared to others, and for the Rebels to be able to replace Delve with Higginbotham, while bringing in Wallaby tourists to the starting team is a demonstration of that,” said Hill.

Hill is also showing his faith in the future of the Club, announcing 22 year old O’Connor as Captain in Delve’s absence.

“James has really matured over the past six months as a footballer, and was humbled by the opportunity when I presented the captaincy role to him.”

Although the Rebels had some disappointing news on Delve, the squad was lifted with Kurtley Beale getting through training and showing no signs of his shoulder injury hampering him.

The Wallabies flyhalf will start against his former club in an unchanged run on backline, with only one change to the bench seeing uncapped utility back Angus Roberts replacing Alex Rokobaro.

The RaboDirect Rebels starting 22 against the NSW Waratahs this Friday at Allianz Stadium at 7.20pm

15. James O’Connor (c)+
14. Lachlan Mitchell
13. Mitch Inman
12. Rory Sidey
11. Richard Kingi
10. Kurtley Beale
9. Nick Phipps
8. Scott Higginbotham
7. Scott Fuglistaller
6. Luke Jones
5. Cadeyrn Neville
4. Hugh Pyle
3. Laurie Weeks
2. Ged Robinson (vc)^
1. Nic Henderson

16. Shota Horie
17. Paul Alo-Emile
18. Jordy Reid*
19. Jarrod Saffy
20. Nic Stirzaker
21. Angus Roberts*
22. Tom English

* Uncapped for Super Rugby
+ First time Captain.
^ First time Vice Captain

Not considered due to injury:

Gareth Delve
Kimami Sitauti
Jason Woodward
Cooper Vuna

Tags: Rebels, Super Rugby, Waratahs