Super Rugby
Brumbies won't engage Rebels in 'Jakeball'
May 30, 2014
Fotu Auelua is known for his direct and physical running game © Getty Images
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Pat McCabe, Clyde Rathbone and Fotu Auelua have each built a rugby career on the ability to bend a defence and cross an advantage line - rather than kicking the ball - and they have no intentions of changing their "direct" style in the Super Rugby fixture against Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday.

"I don't think Paddy and I are getting picked for our kicking game," former Wallabies winger Rathbone joked.

With inconsistent fullback Jesse Mogg benched and winger Robbie Coleman unwell with gastro, the Brumbies will be less inclined to engage the Rebels in a relentless kicking duel - as they did in their previous home game against the Sharks, which featured 93 kicks in play.

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Matt Toomua and Nic White will still kick for territory but, without Mogg's booming left boot, Rebels players Jason Woodward and Bryce Hegarty will have them covered.

McCabe, Auelua and Rathbone will also add a much-needed edge at the breakdown against a Rebels side that turn over plenty of ball in the midfield.

Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher is relying on the trio's presence to freshen up a squad that returned from a two-week South African tour with just one competition point. That disastrous tour means the Brumbies need to win this match, as well as their next two, to keep their title hopes strong.

"We were in a reasonably dark place on Monday when we got back," Fisher said. "Obviously, there's a bit of fatigue in the squad. We just need to refresh and give some guys an opportunity that have been very good off the bench recently."

© AAP

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