With the end of the decade only a few weeks away, the RUGBY.com.au team has picked its best XV from each of the Australian Super Rugby sides.
The selections were based on a combination of different factors, ranging from success in the team, statistical achievements, club leadership and overall on-field impact. If they weren't long-serving stars, the selected players made up for it with huge impact and influence in their short stint at the franchise.
Yesterday we saw the Brumbies. Let's travel to Melbourne and take a look at our picks from the Rebels, who played their first season in 2011.
1. Toby Smith (2014-17)
No-nonsense Kiwi who moved to Melbourne from the Chiefs and set anchor at the Rebels for 50 Super Rugby games. Smith also played for the Wallabies six times; including at the 2015 World Cup.
2. Anaru Rangi (18-19)
One of a number of ex-Western Force emigrants, Rangi has been the most impactful no.2 at the Rebels since their arrival in Super Rugby in 2010. Won the Rebels’ player of the year in 2018 with his barnstorming charges and aggressive defence. Honourable mentions to James Hanson and Ged Robinson.
3. Laurie Weeks (11-18)
Weeks was one of the last foundation Rebels to hang up the boots in 2018, after playing 85 times for Melbourne in an unbroken stretch. Solid as a rock and a much-loved clubman. Played two Tests for the Wallabies in 2014.
4. Matt Philip (18-present)
After emerging as a hard-working Test lock at the Force, Matt Philip quickly became an indispensable member of the Rebels pack when he joined Dave Wessels’ eastward-bound troops. Capped three times for the Wallabies.
5. Luke Jones (11-16, 19-present)
One of the favourite sons of Melbourne, Jones has amassed 86 caps in two different stints for the Rebels. Routinely tops tackle, run and lineout stats playing at lock or six, and should have more than six Wallabies caps.
6. Colby Faingaa (14-18)
Youngest of the amazing Faingaa family, Colby would have been a regular Wallaby if he didn’t share a decade with Pocock, Hooper, McMahon and Gill. Often turned games for the Rebels in his 66 games, via a combination of skill, power and pace.
7. Sean McMahon (14-17)
Junkyard dog who came to the Rebels via the Aussie sevens team, and quickly moved up to foodchain to the Wallabies as well. Relentless in contact, with and without the ball, in his 49 games as a Rebel.
8. Amanaki Mafi (17-18)
Powerful and highly skilful no.8 who was so dominant in the 2017 season, Mafi was voted Australia’s Super Rugby player of the year. Rebels career ended in shame, however, after he assaulted teammate Lopeti Timani. Just edged Gareth Delve for the spot.
9. Nic Stirzaker (13-16)
Flame-haired attacking halfback from Sydney who became a prominent Rebels figure in the middle of the decade. Stirzaker played 59 games and captained the Rebels in 2016, at one point being mentioned as a potential Wallabies call-up.
10. Jack Debreczeni (14-16)
Languid, enigmatic and possessing an almighty boot, Debreczeni turned down an AFL future to play for the Rebels and is the most capped no.10 in club history. Seen as a Wallaby-in-waiting but arguably never released his true potential.
11. Sefa Naivalu (15-18)
“Super Sefa” was a Melbourne success story, rising from club rugby with Box Hill to the Rising in 2014, and then onto the Rebels and the Wallabies. The powerhouse Fijian winger was quickly a cult favourite on the wing or in the centre.
12. Mitch Inman (12-17)
Muscular centre who moved from the Force to Melbourne in 2012 and then made himself a Rebels stalwart, playing 82 games in six seasons. Never left an ounce of spare energy on the field. Honourable mention to Billy Meakes. Struck match between them.
13. Tom English (13-present)
Mr Rebels. English passed Laurie Weeks as the most capped Melbourne player (94 games) in 2019 and was given the honour of captaining the team despite being surrounded by star Wallabies. Unjust he has never got a Wallabies call-up.
14. Marika Koroibete (17-present)
Struggled a fraction early after switching from co-tenants the Melbourne Storm, but Koroibete has since become one of the Rebels - and Australia’s - best players. Won the John Eales medal in 2019. Lachie Mitchell and Jack Maddocks also contenders for the back three.
15. Reece Hodge (16-present)
Emerged through Sydney club rugby but exploded after moving to Melbourne, making his Super Rugby and Test debuts in 2016. An incredibly versatile back who holds the most tries record (26) for the club. Recently signed back on for four years.
COACH: David Wessels
