'It's personal': Rebels fired up for opening round Brumbies clash
Tue, Feb 20, 2024, 10:20 AM
Nathan Williamson
Melbourne Rebels coach Kevin Foote wasn't shying away from the importance of Friday's Super Rugby Pacific opener as they prepare to deal with the ACT Brumbies at AAMI Park.
Foote has assembled one of the strongest Rebels' squads in recent memory and will get the chance to truly test themselves against the benchmark of the Australian sides.
Don't miss Super Round 2024 in Melbourne from March 1-3. Get your tickets now!
The two sides played out a thriller in their last clash at Melbourne in May, remembered for Noah Lolesio's try celebration aimed at opposition half Carter Gordon.
With the Rebels in administration and club and national futures unknown, Foote understands what is at stake on Friday
It is personal, I think it is personal, thats the truth of it, he said to reporters.
Theres a new Wallabies coach on top of that, so theyll be playing for positions. Theres the British and Irish Lions coming, Wales Tests come July. Everyone will be out to impress but its personal for us.
Steve (Larkham) and the Brumbies have been really successful for a long time and they know what they are about and back it up week in, week out so its a great challenge for us.
The Rebels will be near-full strength for the match, with new recruit Matt Proctor and props Pone Fa'amausili and Cabous Eloff the only trio in doubt.
It's a stark contrast to previous seasons, with the Rebels starting last year with captain Rob Leota, Matt Philip and Andrew Kellaway on the sidelines.
Its probably credit to our medical and athletic performance team," Foote said.
"Two years ago, we had 16 players unavailable for that Drua trial at Harlequins so the strength of the squad we could roll out there on Friday was exceptional. I announced the team just then (to the group) and had to leave out some very talented players.
"Im really proud of that pre-season, a lot of hard work was done and we connected with Melbourne. Were really excited about this squad thanks to the recruitment from Stilesy (GM of Rugby Nick Stiles) and Bado (Stephenson, outgoing CEO) and I think its going to pay off.
It sets them up perfectly to start their season strong, facing the Western Force and Moana Pasifika in the first three weeks.
As a young coach you probably dont speak about winning as much, you say process, process, but winning is important, Foote added. Its not lost on us, but we understand that its a long season to go and theres a process but we do speak about winning and it is important and, given where the clubs at, it will definitely help.
Were using it to galvanise us more than distract us. There is distraction. If I stood here and said there wasnt, Id be lying to you but its not worth focusing on that.
This is probably the strongest Rebels side weve assembled, so lets focus on that.
Nathan Williamson
Melbourne Rebels coach Kevin Foote wasn't shying away from the importance of Friday's Super Rugby Pacific opener as they prepare to deal with the ACT Brumbies at AAMI Park.
Foote has assembled one of the strongest Rebels' squads in recent memory and will get the chance to truly test themselves against the benchmark of the Australian sides.
Don't miss Super Round 2024 in Melbourne from March 1-3. Get your tickets now!
The two sides played out a thriller in their last clash at Melbourne in May, remembered for Noah Lolesio's try celebration aimed at opposition half Carter Gordon.
With the Rebels in administration and club and national futures unknown, Foote understands what is at stake on Friday
It is personal, I think it is personal, thats the truth of it, he said to reporters.
Theres a new Wallabies coach on top of that, so theyll be playing for positions. Theres the British and Irish Lions coming, Wales Tests come July. Everyone will be out to impress but its personal for us.
Steve (Larkham) and the Brumbies have been really successful for a long time and they know what they are about and back it up week in, week out so its a great challenge for us.
The Rebels will be near-full strength for the match, with new recruit Matt Proctor and props Pone Fa'amausili and Cabous Eloff the only trio in doubt.
It's a stark contrast to previous seasons, with the Rebels starting last year with captain Rob Leota, Matt Philip and Andrew Kellaway on the sidelines.
Its probably credit to our medical and athletic performance team," Foote said.
"Two years ago, we had 16 players unavailable for that Drua trial at Harlequins so the strength of the squad we could roll out there on Friday was exceptional. I announced the team just then (to the group) and had to leave out some very talented players.
"Im really proud of that pre-season, a lot of hard work was done and we connected with Melbourne. Were really excited about this squad thanks to the recruitment from Stilesy (GM of Rugby Nick Stiles) and Bado (Stephenson, outgoing CEO) and I think its going to pay off.
It sets them up perfectly to start their season strong, facing the Western Force and Moana Pasifika in the first three weeks.
As a young coach you probably dont speak about winning as much, you say process, process, but winning is important, Foote added. Its not lost on us, but we understand that its a long season to go and theres a process but we do speak about winning and it is important and, given where the clubs at, it will definitely help.
Were using it to galvanise us more than distract us. There is distraction. If I stood here and said there wasnt, Id be lying to you but its not worth focusing on that.
This is probably the strongest Rebels side weve assembled, so lets focus on that.