Wallaby teammates turn on each other for crucial Super Rugby clash between Waratahs and Rebels

JUST five days ago they were in the midst of ferocious Test battle against Ireland, but Friday night they’ll be sworn enemies in the top-of-the-table Australian conference showdown.

Wallabies Reece Hodge (Melbourne Rebels) and Nick Phipps (NSW Waratahs) return to their franchises this week in a crucial Super Rugby clash. Picture: rugby.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

JUST five days ago they were in the midst of ferocious Test battle against Ireland, but Friday night they’ll be sworn enemies in the top-of-the-table Australian conference showdown.

Wallaby players from the Waratahs and Rebels have had to turn from friend to foe in quick time, and NSW halfback Nick Phipps declared he won’t be afraid to use tricks learned in the Australian camp over the past month.

“We’ll be using little things we’ve picked up in the last few weeks, [Rebels fullback] Dane Haylett-Petty has got a great strategic mind particularly around the back three,” Phipps said.

“So we can probably use some of those insights when we play them.

Wallabies Reece Hodge (Melbourne Rebels) and Nick Phipps (NSW Waratahs) return to their franchises this week in a crucial Super Rugby clash. Picture: rugby.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

“It’s great because the closer you are, it’s like that little brother syndrome, you want to go harder at them.

“Everyone is great mates but this is a huge game and you just want to knuckle down and give it your best.”

While club captains Michael Hooper and Adam Coleman have been ruled out of this fixture after suffering injuries in the 20-16 Test defeat to Ireland at Allianz Stadium last Saturday, several squad and wider training Wallabies will face each other at AAMI Park.

Melbourne’s sizzling backline includes Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge and Marika Koroibete, who were all playing alongside Tahs stars Phipps, Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau last week.

(L) Marika Koroibete of the Rebels will line-up against Wallabies teammates Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley (2R and R) of the Waratahs on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

The match will be crucial for the outcome of the Australian conference.

NSW leads Melbourne by just one competition point, but a win away from home would give them huge momentum to clinch a finals spot with the Sunwolves and Brumbies to come at home in the final two rounds.

“The importance of this game isn’t lost on anyone, while we were in Wallabies camp even the Reds and Brumbies boys were saying how interested they were in seeing how this one goes,” Phipps said.

“It will test the depth of both squads. It will be who wants it the most.

“It’s up to us to get our bigger names up for the game, but also the boys who have been back at their clubs toiling away during the June series.”

Originally published as Wallaby teammates turn on each other for crucial Super Rugby clash between Waratahs and Rebels