Jordy Reid has returned to the Rebels backrow, one of three changes to the Rebels' starting lineup to face the Force.
Reid will line up at openside flanker, pushing Colby Fainga'a to number eight, with Sean McMahon at blindside, while usual number eight Adam Thomson has shifted to the bench.
Regular loosehead Toby Smith switches to the opposite side of the scrum, with Cruze Ah Nau startingin the number one jersey against the Force, with Luke Jones returning to the Rebels' second row after a back injury kept him out against the Chiefs.
Mike Harris will take on the chief playmaking role, moving to 10 from fullback with Jack Debreczeni starting at fullback, after showing some disappointing form in recent weeks.
The clash with the Force is a crucial one for the Rebels, who want to remain with a sliver of a chance for a finals run as the Test break begins.
“It’s good to have a few more players back from injury this week to make sure that we go into the international break on a positive note and give us something to chase when we get back,”Rebels coach Tony McGahan said.
“The Force’s size and physicality make them a serious threat in the scrum and around the breakdown so the inclusions will be a boost to our forward pack who need to be hungry and disciplined.”
“We’ve had a difficult couple of weeks and a few setbacks but we’re a group with plenty to play for so we need to back ourselves and our abilities to get the job done on Sunday,” he said.
1. Cruze Ah Nau
2. James Hanson
3. Toby Smith
4. Luke Jones
5. Lopeti Timani
6. Sean McMahon
7. Jordy Reid
8. Colby Fainga'a
9. Nic Stirzaker (captain)
10. Mike Harris
11. Tom English
12. Reece Hodge
13. Mitch Inman
14. Sefa Naivalu
15. Jack Debreczeni
Reserves
16. Pat Leafa
17. Tom Moloney
18. Tim Metcher
19. Culum Retallick
20. Adam Thomson
21. Scott Fuglistaller
22. Ben Meehan
23. Jonah Placid
