The Melbourne Rebels have named two Japanese internationals for the first time in their Super Rugby squad to face the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Friday night.
Centre Male Sa’u, who has 13 Test caps, is in line for his first appearance after being named on the bench alongside Japan hooker Shota Horie.
The Rebels have made two forced changes to the run-on side due to injury with fullback Jason Woodward (knee) and prop Laurie Weeks (concussion) sidelined.
Angus Roberts and Paul Alo-Emile are their respective replacements.
Among changes to the bench is former Waratah back Tom Kingston who has been included while prop Cruze Ah-Nau is in line for his Super debut.
Winger Lachlan Mitchell will become the first player to play 50 games for the Rebels.
Rebels: Angus Roberts, Lachlan Mitchell, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Bryce Hegarty, Luke Burgess, Scott Higginbotham (capt), Scott Fuglistaller, Sean McMahon, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Res: Shota Horie, Max Lahiff, Cruze Ah-Nau, Cadeyrn Neville, Colby Fainga’a, Ben Meehan, Male Sa’u.