Rebels’ coach Tony McGahan has made two changes to the starting line-up that will face the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.
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Jason Woodward (knee) and Laurie Weeks (concussion) are the casualties from last week’s loss to the Crusaders, presenting starting opportunities to Angus Roberts (fullback) and Paul Alo-Emile (tighthead prop).
For the first time in Super Rugby history, the Rebels named two Japanese players in their matchday squad.
Centre Male Sau joined compatriot Shota Horie on the Rebels’ replacement bench.
Tom Kingston also returns to the matchday 23, replacing Telusa Veainu on the replacement bench, while prop Cruze Ah-Nau is in contention to make his Super Rugby debut after being selected as a reserve.
Foundation Rebel Lachlan Mitchell will become the first Rebel to play fifty times for competitive matches for the franchise, a combination of 49 Super Rugby appearances and his match against the British & Irish Lions – while Mitch Inman will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance following 19 appearances for the Western Force before moving to Melbourne.
While Woodward and Weeks miss this week, McGahan dispelled any doubts about their long-term fitness, and expects them to be back in contention shortly.
“Laurie will follow the concussion protocols and have a week off, while Jason has one of those things that isn’t serious but could keep him out for a week or two,” McGahan said.
“We need to make sure we look after him and with a Friday turnaround this week he’s run a little short. We don’t have a clear diagnosis, so we’ll have to wait and see a little how his knee recovers.”
In 2013, Horie made history as the first Japanese player to play for an Australian Super Rugby team, and there is a strong chance of Sau joining him in that exclusive franchise this Friday.
“Male has been with us a few weeks now. Injury curtailed his start at the franchise, but he has slowly been gaining time on the training pitch and increased confidence and knowledge. He is very keen to get some game time this weekend and show what he can do.
“We hadn’t thought about the fact that we might make history by playing two Japanese players when we picked the side, but it’s potentially a great achievement. It’s a global game, and to have two international Japanese players in the same side here in Melbourne is certainly exciting for the Super Rugby competition and Rebels fans.”
Roberts makes his second start of the season at fullback, with Kingston also able to cover the fifteen jersey from the bench.
“Angus is very keen to come back in; he had a start against the Western Force a couple of weeks ago and he’ll be looking to make the most of this opportunity,” McGahan said.
“It will be good to see him and Bryce Hegarty, two young guys from a Super Rugby experience perspective, combining. They are two keen players, who are pushing each other around the field, and they are keen to make their mark and help each other with direction and what we are trying to implement from attack.”
“Tom Kingston has good versatility to cover the wing and fullback positions. He has worked hard at training in the last few weeks, and has been impressing with his work ethic and what he has been delivering; he’s earned his spot in the matchday 23.”
For Ah-Nau, who made his debut for the franchise against the British & Irish Lions but is yet to be tested in the world’s toughest franchise competition, the opportunity is a reflection of his hard work.
“Cruze has worked very hard behind the scenes and is ready if called upon. He’s had a really good preseason; he only had twenty minutes in the trials as the other four lads did really well. It’s a great opportunity for him and as we have spoken about previously depth is such a huge part of this competition. Being able to rely upon different members of the squad to come in at different points in time is important, and they have to be ready; we think Cruze is.
“Our whole forward pack faces a great battle this week against a seasoned international pack at the Waratahs, and there are internationals on the bench there as well. It’s certainly a great opportunity for our forwards individually, and especially in the front row.”
Nic Stirzaker is back in full training this week after recovering from an ankle injury, but will make his return via the opening round of the Dewar Shield with McGahan keeping his faith in existing scrumhalf duo Luke Burgess and Ben Meehan.
“Nic will play some franchise Rugby this weekend, after limited time in the trials and only returning to full training this week,” McGahan explained. “We think that him getting some quality game time in the Dewar Shield will be really beneficial to him and us, and he’ll look to be back in the selection mix next weekend.
“Luke has been terrific in what he has delivered for us this far. He’s brought a real energy to the team, and a real sense of the standards required at training and in games. He has a ferocious competitive nature with what he tries to do.
“Benny’s been involved off the bench towards the end of games, and he has added a lot of zip and enthusiasm as well as training very well. You can see definite improvement with what he is delivering both on and off the field as he works out what is required to be a Super Rugby player. He’s got all of the attributes that one needs to succeed as a scrumhalf; he’s cheeky, he’s courageous and he has a super fitness level. He loves getting amongst it and challenging himself and the opposition.”
Rebels: 15 Angus Roberts, 14 Lachlan Mitchell, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Tom English, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Scott Higginbotham (Captain), 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Pat Leafa, 1 Toby Smith
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Max Lahiff, 18 Cruze Ah-Nau, 19 Cadeyrn Neville, 20 Colby Fainga’a, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Male Sau, 23 Tom Kingston.
Date: Friday 21 March
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 10:40 SA Time (19:40 Sydney Time, 08:40 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)