The early signs are positive that superstars Will Genia and Adam Coleman will return for the Melbourne Rebels in their do-or-die Super Rugby game against the Highlanders.
The key Wallabies pair both took part in a lively training session on Monday, giving every indication they will front for Saturday’s final round clash in Dunedin.
Halfback Genia (broken arm) and lock Coleman (adductor) were both injured during the Wallabies’ Test series against Ireland and didn’t play in losses to the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds which have left the Rebels teetering in eighth place.
Both will undergo fitness tests on Wednesday before the team cross the Tasman, an upset win over the sixth-placed Highlanders ensuring the Rebels qualify for the finals for the first time.
Head Coach Dave Wessels said the training session was a good chance to flush Friday’s 37-23 loss to the Reds from their system after blowing several try-scoring chances at Suncorp Stadium.
“Frustrated is a good word for it, we were probably down on each other,” Wessels said.
“We’ve got to get over that because we’ve got a very winnable game this weekend.
“The Highlanders are a very good side with a lot of experience of winning.
“We can beat them for sure but we’ve got to play our best rugby – our equivalent of 9.9 (seconds) for 100m.”