Melbourne Rebels lock Luke Jones says forward battle will decide his side’s clash with Waratahs

LUKE Jones rejects suggestions the Rebels fate lies in how they control the Waratahs backs, insisting the battle between packs will shape the contest.

Super Rugby - Melbourne Rebels v Crusaders at AAMI Park .Luke Jones beats Luke Whitelock to the high ball. March 14th 2014 . Pic by Colleen Petch.

LUKE Jones rejects suggestions the fate of the Weary Dunlop Shield will be decided in the backs on Friday night, insisting the battle between Melbourne and NSW forwards will shape the contest.

Jones’s prediction came as NSW coach Michael Cheika made significant changes to the Waratahs’ pack, benching Wallabies Benn Robinson and Wycliff Palu.

Influential in all three of Melbourne’s matches this season, versatile Jones said the underrated Rebels’ forwards are primed for a massive confrontation at Allianz Stadium.

“The forwards’ contest between our packs is going to be huge,” he said.

“It’s going to be a real tough contest.

“They’ve got guys who are going to be hard ball runners.

“It’s going to be a real fight between the forward packs and if our backs can defend the way they have, we’re gonna be fine.”

Able to play as either a lock or in the backrow, Sydney-born Jones says Melbourne is wary of NSW’s wide-ranging firepower.

“I think they are the pinnacle of Super Rugby in Australia at this stage,” Jones said.

“They’re (NSW) very dangerous everywhere. They’ve got a lot of spark and x-factor about them

“Guys like (Israel) Folau and (Michael) Hooper are so hard at the ball and making great linebreaks.News_Rich_Media: Despite providing every reason to claim the spoils, the Melbourne Rebels left it too late, going down to the Crusaders 25-19.

“If we work hard in defence, I’m confident we can shut them down.”

Melbourne will name its team on Wednesday amid doubts over prop Laurie Weeks (concussion) and fullback Jason Woodward (knee).

Desperate to end a two-game losing streak, the Rebels are widely expected to try and emulate the Brumbies’ smothering defence of NSW.

The tactic ended the ‘Tahs’ unbeaten start to the season as Cheika rang changes at selection, promoting Sekope Kepu for Robinson.

“Keps has played well. He was probably a little bit unlucky at the start of the season to miss out,” Cheika said.

“He had to wear that and he’s been doing exactly what he needs to do to force his way back into the team.

“It’s his opportunity.”

Cheika said Palu had been benched as a management issue.

“We’ve got to make sure that Cliff is used correctly,” Cheika said.

“We’re getting good value out of him at the moment.”

Skipper Dave Dennis has been shifted to No 8, with South African Jacques Potgieter moving from lock to blindside flanker and Will Skelton promoted to partner Kane Douglas in the second row.

“We have the ability to keep the same intensity on the ball by changing the shape of the team a little bit and letting (Palu) come off the bench and finish the game.

“He’ll definitely contribute a fair bit. I’m not looking to rest him or anything. I just wanted to change the shape a little bit, start using a few other guys.”

Former Rebels Nick Phipps, Kurtley Beale and Peter Betham will line up for NSW.