The form of Anaru Rangi and Robbie Abel has been critical for the Rebels' set piece success this year but it's also helping them ensure World Cup prospect Jordan Uelese isn't rushed back into the team prematurely.
Uelese injured his ACL against the Blues in June 2018, on the eve of the Wallabies’ Ireland series and has been working his way back to full fitness since.
The 22-year-old is still expected to be at least a month away from returning to the Rebels outfit, which would take his recovery up to roughly 11 months since the initial injury.
An infection after his first surgery pushed back his initial return date but it was hoped the hooker would be back in action against the Sunwolves this weekend.
Uelese’s progress has been slower than expected in recent weeks but the form of Rangi and backup Robbie Abel has made it easier to ensure the 22-year-old is not pressured into a premature return.
Rangi and Abel have been among the most consistent Rebels this season, helping to turn their set piece into a weapon and also impressive in general play.
The Rebels sit third when it comes to lineout success this season, behind the Bulls and the Lions, a big jump from their sixth place last year and 18th back in 2017.
Forward coach Geoff Parling said the squad’s hookers had found routines that worked for them both on and off the field, something that has helped them deliver each week.
“For the hookers it depends on what works for them, so there's technical aspects but there's also mental aspects as well,” he said.
“Some guys enjoy on their day off doing something extra well that's there but other guys on a day off they just want to chill out.
“If that works for them, that works for them. The guys have probably found what works for themselves and they're sticking to it.”
Rangi has been a standout for the Rebels with his mobility as well as his set piece work and Parling said his efforts in general play had been impressive.
“Probably some of his contact work but he's a guy who you see come up with some big moments with the ball in hand,” he said.
“I think one of the tries he scored against the Brumbies, just flying in with a pass off nine so think he really relishes those moments where he can fly into a tackle or fly in with the ball in hand.”
The Rebels have a chance to cement their spot at the top of the Australian Super Rugby conference when they face the Sunwolves and Parling said they knew exactly the threat
Parling is more than familiar with some of the threats the Sunwolves pose, having been a player-coach with Japanese side the Sanix in the last Top League season.
“There's some good players, some very skillful players and they want to play with the ball in hand,” he said.
“The Top League is quite loose in general, people want to throw it around so those guys, Dan Pryor's been captain, he's a very good player and Jason Emery in the backs, played with him, he's a very good player so they'd be full of confidence.
“We know they'll be brimming, raring to go and we've just got to make sure we play our game.
“They want to play a certain type of rugby, we've just got to make sure we're very confrontational when we go at them.”
The Rebels take on the Sunwolves on Saturday April 6, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
