Marika Koroibete has been named for his Super Rugby debut, finally shaking off a knee issue to be named for the Rebels.
It will be a baptism of fire for Koroibete, as the Rebels travel to Wellington to face the defending champion Hurricanes and All Blacks winger Julian Savea.
Koroibete is one of three high-profile inclusions in the Rebels’ side, with Wallabies squad member James Hanson and centre Mitch Inman making their return from injury.
Captain Nic Stirzaker has also recovered from a concussion to be named in the starting side, after lasting just 10 minutes of the opening round.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said they were optimistic of improvement, welcoming the trio in round two.
“There’s no bigger challenge in Super Rugby right now than the defending champions in Wellington but we’ve prepared well and the return of key players will provide some much-needed experience and firepower, “ he said.
“We learnt some good lessons in round one that we’ve taken away so our attention has been on fixing up those key areas at training this week or else good sides will continue to punish our mistakes.”
It wasn't all positive news for the rebels with Koroibete's wing partner Sefa Naivalu unable to pass a fitness test in time to make the Wellington trip.
The Hurricanes will have their biggest stars back in their starting XV, with Beauden Barrett and Dane Coles off the bench for their first home clash and Nehe Milner-Skudder returning from injury.
The Rebels take on the Hurricanes on Saturday at 3:15pm AEDT.
TEAM
Rebels to take on the Hurricanes
1. Cruze Ah-Nau
2. James Hanson
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Steve Cummins
5. Lopeti Timani
6. Jordy Reid
7. Colby Fainga’a
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Nic Stirzaker (Captain)
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Tom English
12. Reece Hodge
13. Mitch Inman
14. Marika Koroibete*^
15. Jack Debreczeni
Reserves
16. Pat Leafa
17. Tom Moloney
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Culum Retallick
20. Jake Schatz
21. Ben Meehan
22. Sione Tuipulotu
23. Ben Volavola
Hurricanes team to take on the Rebels
1. Chris Eves
2. Dane Coles
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
4. James Blackwell
5. Michael Fatialofa
6. Brad Shields
7. Ardie Savea
8. James Prinsep
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Ngani
13. Matthew Proctor
14. Wince Aso
15. Nehe Milner-Skudder
Reserves
16. Ricky Riccitelli
17. Ben May
18. Mike Kainga
19. Mark Abbott
20. Callum Gibbins
21. Chris Smylie
22. Otere Black
23. Jordie Barrett
