Rebels bullish about Super chances

Rising Rebels star Jack Debreczeni will have his first start at five-eighth as Melbourne look to cash in on his big boot against the Bulls.

The Melbourne Rebels hope their very own super boot Jack Debreczeni can help them close out the Super Rugby season with a win over the Bulls.

The Rebels face the Bulls on the Highveld at the famed Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria early Saturday morning (AEST).

Now playing in France, Springbok sharp-shooter Morne Steyne made his name there as part of the Bulls line-up that won three Super Rugby titles.

Following a shoulder injury to Bryce Hegarty, Debreczeni will have his first start at five-eighth with Jason Woodward reclaiming the fullback jersey in his last match for the club.

While Woodward will likely resume the place kicking duties, the Rebels will look to Debreczeni's boot to ease the pressure and set up field position.

The 21-year-old was courted by Essendon AFL club because of his kicking talent.

Assistant coach Sean Hedger said Debreczeni would be an asset at high altitude while he also offered plenty in attack.

"His strengths are that his kicking game is very strong and he's a very good organiser because he's played 10 all of his life," Hedger said.

"He's a natural playmaker with a strong game so we're looking forward to him taking his opportunity."

Hedger said the Rebels had been "egging" Debreczeni on at training and he was able to kick it out of hand and place kick it from well over halfway.

Against the Bulls Melbourne will be captained by flanker Scott Fuglistaller following the suspension of Scott Higginbotham for his third yellow card of the season.

Coach Tony McGahan has made a number of changes as the team looks to match last year's season tally of five wins.

Wallaby lock Luke Jones will move to blindside flanker while Colby Fainga'a covers Higginbotham's No.8, with Cadeyrn Neville the new lock.

Telusa Veainu replaces winger Tom Kingston (knee).

Melbourne have plenty of incentives for a victory, which would be their first ever abroad.

They want to send departing Woodward and Hugh Pyle out as winners.

The Rebels are also desperate to avoid bringing home the competition's wooden spoon amongst their luggage.

They trail the Cheetahs by three points so need to win and hope that both the Cheetahs and Lions lose to avoid finishing last.

Rebels: Jason Woodward, Telusa Veainu, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Luke Burgess, Colby Fainga'a, Scott Fuglistaller (c), Luke Jones, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Shota Horie, Toby Smith. Res: Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Lopeti Timani, Jordy Reid, Nic Stirzaker, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Rokobaro.


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