Former Waratahs centre Dave Horwitz is set to make his Rebels debut in Japan this week, named in Melbourne's side for an exhibition match in Japan.
Coach Dave Wessels has picked a new-look squad, made up mainly of NRC players, to take on Jake White's Toyota Verblitz, captained by no. 8 Rob Leota.
Lock Sam Jeffries is set to make his return from injury for the clash as well.
Wessels said the match would be relatively experimental, more just a chance to see his players in action.
"We’re just going to try to keep it simple,” Wessels said.
“I just want to see how those guys react in a game like situation.
“We’ll use a lot of the same stuff that the Rising were doing in the NRC from a game plan, which will change going into Super Rugby.”
Wessels will have a chance to test himself against long-time mentor White, who has found success coaching in Japan with the Verblitz.
“Jake is always going to run a very good show so they’ll be very organised and have a lot of star talent there so it will be a good test for us,” he said.
“They’re midway through their season so their systems will be pretty well bedded down and we’ve only been training for four days so there will be a real contrast there.
“We understand that.”
The Melbourne Rebels will take on the Toyota Verblitz at Toyota Stadium on Sunday November 12, 2pm local, 4pm AEDT.
TEAM
Rebels to take on Toyota Verblitz
1. Tom Moloney
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Fereti Sa’aga
4. Alex Toolis
5. Sam Jeffries
6. Jock Armstrong
7. Ikapote Tupai
8. Rob Leota (captain)
9. Harrison Goddard
10. Tayler Adams
11. Henry Hutchison
12. David Horwitz
13. Sione Tuipulotu
14. Latu Latunipulu
15. Kitione Ratu
Reserves
16. Siliva Siliva
17. Rory O’Connor
18. Sam Needs
19. Jason Havea
20. David Hickey
21. Mahe Vailanu
22. Maradona Farao
23. Jack McGregor
24. Hunter Paisami
