Melbourne Rebels coach Kevin Foote says veteran playmaker Matt Toomua will improve game management in their Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Western Force.
The Rebels have turned to Wallabies veteran Matt Toomua to steady their Super Rugby Pacific ship as they return to Melbourne for their first home game in 287 days.
Toomua starts at five eighth with young playmaker Carter Gordon moved to the bench on Saturday night against the Western Force after he produced a mixed bag in the heavy opening-round loss to Queensland.
Rather than a strict demotion, coach Kevin Foote said it was part of the learning process for 21-year-old Gordon, who is still finding his feet as a Super Rugby five eighth.
"Obviously, one of the things we didn't do well on the weekend was game management and Pup (Toomua) brings a lot of experience in that space," Foote said on Friday.
"It just gives a good voice for us on our attacking strategy and our game management.
"We want to make sure we look after Carter and playing him off the bench takes the pressure off ... we're making sure that he doesn't feel like the world's on his shoulders, we're just taking our time with him."
Skipper Michael Wells said the Rebels' pride was "dented" by the 23-5 loss to the Reds and they were desperate to repay home fans who had only seen them play at home five times in almost two years.
"It's a big motivating factor, the rugby public in Melbourne," Wells said.
"They've been so supportive and it's time that we repay that support and a big way to do that is to go out and give them a great performance.
"It's a responsibility of us on the team and it's one that we really embrace."
The Force blew a rare chance to upset the Brumbies on home turf, going down 29-23, and Foote predicted they would be fired up.
"They're going to feel heartbroken from last week, that was an awesome try they scored just before the hooter and then they didn't manage to seal that out," he said.
"They'll come with a lot of confidence and good for them , let them come."
Ray Nu'u will make his run-on debut at inside centre for the Rebels after catching the eye of recruiters in New Zealand's NPC.
He will line up against former All Black Richard Kahui, who is the sole change to the Force's starting side after Bayley Kuenzle suffered a concussion.
Foote said 23-year-old Nu'u was built for the role.
"Ray is a bulldozer, he's very strong and purpose built for 12," Foote said.
"He is no nonsense, but has actually got really good skills as well so I think he'll also add another dimension with Toomua at 10-12 -- that's a very physical inside pairing."
