The Melbourne Rebels have received a boost with winger Lachie Anderson returning for their clash with the Highlanders on Sunday at Leichhardt Oval.
Anderson slots back into wing after his stint with the Australian Sevens side, pushing the returning Andrew Kellaway back to the bench.
Flanker Josh Kemeny has also been ruled out with a lower leg injury, with Rob Leota moving into the back-row alongside Michael Wells.
“Unfortunately for Josh, he’s unavailable this week following a lower leg injury, but thankfully it’s not major, so that’s positive," assistant coach Geoff Parling said. “What it does do is allow Rob Leota to go back to his more traditional role at six. Rob’s performed in the second row this season, and has shown great versatility, so we have no doubt he’ll be able to carry this into Sunday’s game."
20-year-old Carter Gordon retains the flyhalf position after a strong debut start.
The Highlanders will also welcome back Josh Ioane to the starting side for the first time in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Ioane returned last week via the bench after a lingering ankle injury, replacing Sam Gilbert (hamstring) at fullback.
Co-captain Ash Dixon and loosehead prop Ayden Johnstone will come off the bench, allowing Liam Coltman and Ethan De Groot to start.
James Lentjes returns to the side as he plays his 5th game for the club, making his debut in 2015.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan De Groot, Liam Coltman, Siate Tokolahi, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, James Lentjes, Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith (co-c), Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki, Scott Gregory, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Josh Ioane
Reserves: Ash Dixon (co-c), Ayden Johnstone, Jeff Thwaites, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Kazuki Himeno, Kayne Hammington, Ngatungane Punivai, Billy Harmon
INs: James Lentjes, Jeff Thwaites, Manaaki Selby-Rickit
OUTs: Josh Hohneck, Bryn Evans, Sam Gilbert
REBELS (1-15): Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Ross Haylett-Petty, Trevor Hosea, Rob Leota, Michael Wells, Isi Naisarani, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon, Marika Koroibete, Matt To'ouma (c), Campbell Magnay, Lachie Anderson, George Worth
Reserves: James Hanson, Matt Gibbon, Lucio Sordoni, Steve Cummins, Richard Hardwick, Frank Lomani, Stacey Ili, Andrew Kellaway
INs: Lachie Anderson, Steve Cummins
OUTs: James Tuttle, Josh Kemeny
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