Tom English will make his long-awaited return to the Melbourne Rebels starting team, after seven weeks on the sideline.
English is one of three changes to the starting XV with Mitch Inman back at inside centre, while Sam Jeffries replaces the injured Luke Jones who misses with a sore back.
English comes in for Cam Crawford who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken hand, while former All Black Tamati Ellison makes way for Inman in the centres.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan is confident the players selected will able to cover the players ruled out by injury.
“We gave the players every opportunity to prove their fitness but unfortunately a few knocks from last weekend have forced our hand for Saturday,” McGahan said.
“The injuries have given Tom, Mitch and Sam the opportunity to come back into the starting line up and they’re all eager to do well and push their cases for the business end of the season.”
Former Brumbies hooker Siliva Siliva will make his first appearance for his home state off the bench after Pat Leafa injured his back at training on Thursday.
The Rebels play the Chiefs at 5:30pm AEST Saturday, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
TEAM
1. Toby Smith
2. James Hanson
3. Jamie Hagan
4. Sam Jeffries
5. Lopeti Timani
6. Colby Fainga'a
7. Sean McMahon
8. Adam Thomson
9. Nic Stirzaker (captain)
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Tom English
12. Reece Hodge
13. Mitch Inman
14. Sefa Naivalu
15. Mike Harris
RESERVES
16. Siliva Siliva
17. Cruze Ah Nau
18. Tim Metcher
19. Culum Retallick
20. Jordy Reid
21. Ben Meehan
22. Jonah Placid
23. Kotaro Matsushima
