REBELS WELCOME BACK STIRZAKER AND FUGLISTALLER
The Melbourne Rebels welcome back captain Nic Stirzaker and Scott Fuglistaller for Saturday’s historic game against the Sunwolves at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
The pair have been named as reserves in the 23-player team with Stirzaker returning from a shoulder reconstruction and Fugistaller overcoming a hip injury to be selected for the first time this season.
Rebels Head Coach Tony McGahan has made two change to the run-on team with Tamati Ellison clear of concussion after missing the team’s two-point victory over the Reds last weekend and Pat Leafa starting at hooker.
“It’s been great to have Nic and Scott back, they bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, McGahan said.
The Rebels will become the first Australasian team to contest Asteron Life Super Rugby against the Sunwolves in Tokyo.
The new side feature some familiar faces for the Rebels with former teammates Shota Horie and Keita Inagaki lining up for the new Japanese side.
Sunwolves captain Horie, who scored his new club’s first ever Super Rugby try against the Lions in the opening round, made 18 appearances for the Rebels in 2013 after becoming the first Japanese international to sign with an Australian Super Rugby club.
“We’re expecting a very passionate, fast paced and technical game from the Sunwolves on Saturday,” McGahan 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.”
Jamie Hagan has overcome his virus to return to the bench, after missing last weekend, and Sione Tuipulotu has retained his spot in the team after his impressive Super Rugby debut against the Reds.
The Melbourne Rebels take on the Sunwolves in the fourth round of the 2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby at Prince Chichibu Memrorial Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday from 3.15pm (AEDT).
2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Round 4
Sun wolves v Melbourne Rebels
Saturday 19 March 2016
Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 3.15pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: FOX SPORTS 2 (live)
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
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