Former Rebels hooker Ged Robinson looking forward to facing old side in Dunedin

GED Robinson admits it will be strange as the foundation Rebel faces his old teammates when Melbourne tackles the Highlanders on Friday night.

Robinson was one of the Rebels’ most consistent performers during his time in Melbourne.

GED Robinson admits it will be strange as the foundation Rebel faces his old teammates when Melbourne tackles the Highlanders tonight.

Robinson returned to New Zealand at the end of last season after 46 inspirational games in the five-star jersey, intent on chasing All Black ambitions.

The nuggety hooker forged a fine reputation as one of Melbourne’s most consistent and animated players before joining the Highlanders.

Tonight, he will do all he can to destroy Rebel hopes of a first Super Rugby victory on foreign soil.

“It will be funny,” Robinson told the Otago Daily.

“But I remember it was funny the first time I played against the Hurricanes for the Rebels.

“There were a lot of friends in the Hurricanes I’d grown up with. It will be the same with the Rebels.

“But that is life. People move on and changes are made.’’

Robinson, 30, shared in an epic 38-37 Melbourne victory over the Highlanders at AAMI Park in the final match of last season.

Making that triumph even sweeter was the fact several players — and coach Damien Hill — were bowing out of the club on the final whistle.

“It was fun being part of a new team,” he said. “We had something like 12 foreigners in the team. Guys like Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, ([Danny) Cipriani. Guys who had a lot of experience.

“Plus you had the experience of living in Melbourne — going to the Ashes, seeing the Australian Open, Formula One. It is a great city to live in.

“Australian rugby is different from playing in New Zealand. It is a bit more ruck and run. Well, it was at the Rebels, anyway. More emphasis on speed and skill.

“That happens in New Zealand too, but there is probably more physicality here and not as much speed. Over there it was more play what was in front of you.’’

Robinson started for Highlanders in the loss to the Blues last week and drops to the bench tonight.