This game against the Sharks is a great chance for the Rebels to turn their two-loss streak around.
Last season this match would have been a one-sided affair but it will be more interesting this year, and may witness the first win in the Republic for the Melbournians.
Unaccountably Gary Gold’s Sharks haven’t delivered on expectations based on last season, when they dominated the South African conference. This year the play-offs are out of reach as the du Plessis’ brothers and Co. became less of a threat, at home and abroad.
On the other hand, the Rebels are a much-improved side, which has challenged several stronger teams and has taken some prestigious scalps so far. Despite a streak of two losses, marked by mistakes and a resemblance to the 2014 Rebels, the Melbourninans have a real chance to bring home some shark fins as trophy.
Pat Leafa scored his first Super Rugby try in 2014 against the Sharks
The form
The Sharks won their last game, in Brisbane, thanks to a shocking James O’Connor performance in the last ten minutes. Before that they lost against the Highlanders and Hurricanes comprehensively — and in a controversial way against the Tahs.
Their return to Durban must mark a change in fortunes to please a passionate home crowd, and to avoid the axe falling on a few heads.
On the contrary, the Rebels have on the peace of mind of knowing that they punched above their weight in 2015 and can approach the game with less pressure: a double-edged sward, that could produce everything or nothing.
Tony McGahan will give his players a good grounding after the last two losses, which came after an impressive run at home against New Zealand teams.
Super Sefa – a welcome return to the Rebels.
The key players
For the Melbournians “Super Sefa” is a welcome return. He scored a brace against the Reds before retiring injured and had to witness his teams’ collapse either side of half-time—and then missed the last game in Cape Town.
Tony McGahan has shuffled his cards a bit, giving Wallaby Luke Burgess his second start of the season; his first being against the Waratahs when Nic Stirzacker was suspended. And Toby Smith and “people’s champ” Laurie Weeks will be welcomed back in the scrum.
The South Africans will have star player like Ryan Kankowski returning to their starting line-up, but they’ll have to do without Frans Steyn, a powerful weapon.
Willem Alberts is still uncertain to play at the moment of writing; he will have to pass a fitness test before the game.
Ryan Kankowski – one of the best in the number 8 .
Prediction
I’m picking the Rebels to surprise the Sharks and score their first win in South Africa. The key to this will be keeping their opponents away from the kicking tee.
Rebels by 2
Sharks v Rebels
 |  | 
|
| Tendai Mtawarira | 1 | Toby Smith |
| Bismarck du Plessis | 2 | Pat Leafa |
| Jannie du Plessis | 3 | Laurie Weeks |
| Mouritz Botha | 4 | Luke Jones |
| Marco Wentzel (c) | 5 | Lopeti Timani |
| Renaldo Bothma | 6 | Sean McMahon |
| Willem Alberts / Etienne Oosthuizen | 7 | Colby Fainga’a |
| Ryan Kankowski | 8 | Scott Higginbotham |
| Stefan Ungerer | 9 | Luke Burgess |
| Lionel Cronje | 10 | Jack Debreczeni |
| Sbura Sithole | 11 | Tom English |
| Andre Esterhuizen | 12 | Mitch Inman |
| JP Pietersen | 13 | Sefanaia Naivalu |
| Odwa Ndungane | 14 | Dom Shipperley |
| Lwazi Mvovo | 15 | Mike Harris |
| Reserves | ||
| Franco Marais | 16 | Tom Sexton |
| Matt Stevens | 17 | Cruze Ah-Nau |
| Lourens Adriaanse | 18 | Paul Alo-Emile |
| Lubabalo Mtyanda | 19 | Cadeyrn Neville |
| Etienne Oosthuizen / Khaya Majola | 20 | Scott Fuglistaller |
| Conrad Hoffmann | 21 | Nic Stirzaker |
| Fred Zeilinga | 22 | Jordy Reid |
| Heimar Williams | 23 | Bryce Hegarty |
| Location: | Friday 29 May 2015 | |
| Kickoff: | Sat 30 May 3:10 | |
| Referee: | Jaco van Heerden | |
| Assistant Ref 1: | Rodney Boneparte | |
| Assistant Ref 2: | Ben Crouse | |
| TMO : | Marius Jonker |
Kick off – 3:10 a.m. Saturday (AEST)
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