Former Rebels forward Amanaki Mafi has been named by the Sunwolves to face the Reds on Saturday, ending his Super Rugby exile.
Mafi still faces serious assault charges stemming from an alleged altercation with then-Rebels teammate Lopeti Timani in Dunedin last year, with the matter still before the court.
While initially banned from training with his Japanese Top League club, Mafi was added to the Sunwolves' roster last week and, as expected, was named to face the Reds in their round five clash in Tokyo.
Mafi has been named on the bench and is expected to see game time against the Reds in their crucial Australian conference clash.
The No.8 was added to the Brave Blossoms' extended training squad earlier this month and his first appearance for the Sunwolves this season will only strengthen his claims for a World Cup spot.
Mafi's legal team is reportedly seeking a stay until after the World Cup to allow him to compete.
At his best, Mafi is a pivotal player for Japan and will be out to make his mark this weekend against a Reds side without Wallabies duo Izack Rodda and Taniela Tupou.
Once Super Rugby easybeats, the Sunwolves have performed beyond expectations this season and have been installed as favourites by bookmakers for Saturday's clash.
The Sunwolves take on the Queensland Reds on Saturday, March 16, kicking off at 3:15pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
Sunwolves to face Reds
1. Pauliasi Manu
2. Atsushi Sakate
3. Hiroshi Yamashita
4. Uwe Helu
5. Tom Rowe
6. Ben Gunter
7. Dan Pryor
8. Rahboni Warren Vosayaco
9. Jamie Booth
10. Hayden Parker
11. Hosea Saumaki
12. Michael Little(C)
13. Sione Teaupa
14. Gerhard Van Den Heever
15. Jason Emery
16. Jaba Bregvadze
17. Sam Prattley
18. Asaeli Ai Valu
19. James Moore
20. Amanaki Mafi
21. Keisuke Uchida
22. Rikiya Matsuda
23. Semisi Masirewa
