Melbourne Rebels captain Nic Stirzaker is in line for his first appearance of 2016, named on the bench in the team to face the Sunwolves.
Stirzaker and former captain Scott Fuglistaller (hip) are returning from injuries off the pine, part of four changes to the overall side.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan has reshuffled the starting side as well, with Pat Leafa starting at hooker and Tamati Ellison (concussion) to start at outside centre.
Rebels rookie Sione Tuipulotu has been rewarded for his impressive debut, with a spot on the bench against the Sunwolves.
McGahan said his side was prepared for the challenge the Sunwolves would pose, after two promising opening performances.
The match will be somewhat of an unknown for the Rebels, who will be the first Australasian team to face the Sunwolves in the new expanded Japanese competition.
“We’re expecting a very passionate, fast paced and technical game from the Sunwolves on Saturday,” he said.
“For a new side, they continue to impress with their development, and we expect nothing less again this weekend, so we’re prepared for a difficult challenge in a new environment for many of the players.”
There will be some familiarity for the Melbourne players, facing off against former Rebels Shota Horie and Keita Inagaki in Tokyo.
The Rebels will be aiming to clinch only their second win outside of Australia in their history.
1. Toby Smith
2. Pat Leafa
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Luke Jones
5. Lopeti Timani
6. Jordy Reid
7. Sean McMahon (captain)
8. Adam Thomson
9. Ben Meehan
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Tom English
12. Mitch Inman
13. Tamati Ellison
14. Dom Shipperley
15. Jonah Placid
RESERVES
16. James Hanson
17. Cruze Ah Nau
18. Jamie Hagan
19. Sam Jeffries
20. Scott Fuglistaller
21. Nic Stirzaker
22. Dan Hawkins
23. Sione Tuipulotu
