Hugh Pyle
Rebels head coach Tony McGahan has made four changes to the starting line-up from last weekend’s 36-20 loss to the Reds, as the Rebels look for the first win on foreign soil against the Lions in Johannesburg this weekend.
Foundation Rebel Hugh Pyle returns to the starting lineup as one of three changes to the forward pack, with the recently re-signed Shota Horie and Scott Fuglistaller also injected into the contest from the outset.
In the backs, Tom Kingston comes in to the wing, while young fullback Jack Debreczeni and flyhalf Bryce Hegarty will share the initial place kicking duties with Jason Woodward on the bench.
Flanker Jordy Reid returns to the match-day squad, and will be looking to make his second appearance of the season after impressing as a replacement against the Brumbies in Canberra in Round 16, while flyer Telusa Veainu is again named as a reserve and will be hopeful of making his fifth appearance for the Club.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Jack Debreczeni, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Tom English, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Scott Higginbotham (Captain), 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Colby Fainga’a, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Toby Smith
Replacements: 16 Pat Leafa, 17 Cruze Ah-Nau, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Cadeyrn Neville, 20 Jordy Reid, 21 Nic Stirzaker, 22 Jason Woodward, 23 Telusa Veainu.
Date: Friday 4 July
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-Off: 19:10 SA Time (03:10 Saturday AEST, 17:10 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Referees: Stuart Berry, Cobus Wessels
TMO: Johan Greeff