Genia to miss Bulls clash

The Melbourne Rebels will be without their star halfback Will Genia for at least the first match of their two-week tour of South Africa.

Genia had scans on Sunday which confirmed that he had a grade one hamstring injury after pulling up midway through his side’s 25-22 defeat to the Jaguares in Melbourne on Saturday. 

He will miss the clash against the in-form Bulls on Saturday but remains a chance to play against the Stormers a week later. 

“Will’s got a grade one hamstring, so he’ll definitely miss the Bulls game,” Rebels coach Dave Wessels told foxsports.com.au.  “He’s a good chance to play the Stormers game, but we’ll just have to see how he travels.” 

Junior Wallabies halfback Harrison Goddard will now travel with the team and act as Michael Ruru’s deputy against the Bulls. The Rebels have been boosted with the news that Wallabies back Reece Hodge will be fit for Saturday’s match after missing his first Super Rugby game since round four, 2016.