Former Melbourne Storm winger and Rebels new recruit Marika Koroibete will be welcomed almost with bugle blasts if he can complete his recovery from a knee injury to make his Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.
While talk of cavalry columns riding to the rescue might be a tad overdone, there is no doubt that the Rebels desperately need the former Melbourne Storm winger, especially after breaking down in key areas in their season‑opener last Thursday.
The Rebels were hit by a plague of injuries in round one, with captain Sean McMahon and fellow Wallabies Toby Smith, James Hanson and Sefa Naivalu and late withdrawal Mitch Inman all joining Koroibete on the sideline.
The Rebels will meet the Hurricanes at 4.15pm Saturday.
In other big games this week, the Chiefs will host the Blues at 6.35pm Friday, the Crusaders will play the Highlanders at 6.35pm Saturday and the Sharks will play the Brumbies at 8.45pm this Saturday.
The Waratahs play the Lions at 1.05am Sunday.
