Melbourne Rebels prop Laurie Weeks ruled out of Friday’s clash with NSW Waratahs

KEY Melbourne forward Laurie Weeks has been ruled out of Friday night’s crunch Super Rugby clash with NSW, with Paul Alo-Emile coming in at prop.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Laurie Weeks (L) and Nic Stirzaker of the Rebels react in the dying stages during the round 12 Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Sharks at AAMI Park on May 2, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

KEY Melbourne forward Laurie Weeks has been ruled out of Friday night’s crunch Super Rugby clash with NSW.

The front-rower has succumbed to an ankle injury and has been replaced in the starting 15 by Paul Alo-Emile, paving the way for Max Lahiff to move to the bench.

Weeks’ demise led to one of only two changes for Melbourne.

Rookie scrumhalf Ben Meehan replaces Wallaby Luke Burgess as the Rebels bid to regain the Weary Dunlop Shield.

Meehan will be supported by former Waratah Josh Holmes, who has joined the club on a short-term contract.

While disappointed both Burgess (knee) and fellow halfback Nic Stirzaker (ankle) are unavailable, coach Tony McGahan is confident Meehan can fire on his debut starting assignment.

“Luke Burgess’ injury is disappointing for us, particularly on the back of Nic Stirzaker getting injured a few weeks ago,” McGahan said. “Luke has been in tremendous form for us, and his high energy and enthusiasm will be missed.

“Ben Meehan has been plying his trade down here and working really hard behind the scenes, and he is eager to get a start and make the most of it. We’re all really confident that he can come in and deliver.”

McGahan has issued his squad with the formidable challenge of notching successive wins, a task made even more difficult by NSW’s current form.

“We don’t have any doubt about what our players can deliver from a work ethic and standards point of view,” McGahan said.

“That has been evident really over the last nine weeks, with their terrific application.

“What we do need to make sure is that we turn up ready from a game management point of view.

“Our game management has been improving every week. Against the Waratahs, who have been in tremendous form, we need it to keep improving in order to stay connected in the game.”

NSW coach Michael Cheika has made two changes to the starting line up that beat the Lions, restoring lock Jacques Potgieter and winger Alofa Alofa to the starting team.

The changes forced Will Skelton and Matt Carraro to the bench.

Melbourne - Toby Smith, Pat Leafa, Paul Alo-Emile, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Jones, Colby Fainga’a, Scott Fuglistaller, Scott Higginbotham, Ben Meehan, Bryce Hegarty, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Tamati Ellison, Tom Kingston, Jason Woodward. Replacements - Steve Fualau, Cruze Ah-Nau, Max Lahiff, Hugh Pyle, Sean McMahon, Josh Holmes, Jack Debreczeni, Telusa Veainu.

NSW - Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota Nau, Paddy Ryan, Jacques Potgieter, Kane Douglas, Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Alofa Alofa, Israel Folau. Replacements (from) - Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Sekope Kepu, Will Skelton, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Jono Lance, Matt Carraro, Pat McCutcheon, Taqele Naiyaravoro.

Originally published as Melbourne Rebels prop Laurie Weeks ruled out of Friday’s clash with NSW Waratahs