Angus Roberts, Paul Alo-Emile named in Rebels starting side for clash with NSW Waratahs

REBELS coach Tony McGahan makes two changes to his side, with fullback Angus Roberts and prop Paul Alo-Emile to start against the Waratahs.

Angus Roberts will start at fullback for the Rebels.

FOR the first time in Super Rugby history, the Melbourne Rebels will field two Japanese internationals when Shota Horie and Male Sa’u take the pitch for Friday night’s Weary Dunlop Shield clash with NSW.

Centre Sa’u will make his debut for Melbourne from the bench, while Horie will again provide support for starting hooker Pat Leafa.

Melbourne coach Tony McGahan has made two changes to the starting line-up following last Friday’s 25-19 loss to the Crusaders with Jason Woodward (knee) and Laurie Weeks (concussion) unavailable.

The pair has been replaced by Angus Roberts (fullback) and Paul Alo-Emile (tighthead prop).

Lachlan Mitchell will become the first Rebel to play 50 games for the club, while Mitch Inman clocks up 50 Super Rugby appearances after a stint with Western Force.

Angus Roberts will start at fullback for the Rebels.

While Woodward and Weeks miss this week, McGahan dispelled any doubts about their long-term fitness and expects them to be back in contention shortly.

“Laurie will follow the concussion protocols and have a week off, while Jason has one of those things that isn’t serious but could keep him out for a week or two,” McGahan said.

“We need to make sure we look after him and with a Friday turnaround this week he’s run a little short.

“We don’t have a clear diagnosis, so we’ll have to wait and see a little how his knee recovers.”

In 2013, Horie made history as the first Japanese player to play for an Australian Super Rugby team.

New Zealand-reared Sa’u joined the Rebels three weeks ago.

“Male has been with us a few weeks now. Injury curtailed his start at the club, but he has slowly been gaining time on the training pitch and increased confidence and knowledge,” McGahan said.

Shota Horie and fellow Japanese international Male Sa’u have been named on the Rebels bench.

“He is very keen to get some game time this weekend and show what he can do.

“We hadn’t thought about the fact that we might make history by playing two Japanese players when we picked the side, but it’s potentially a great achievement.

“It’s a global game, and to have two international Japanese players in the same side here in Melbourne is certainly exciting for the Super Rugby competition and Rebels fans.”

Roberts makes his second start of the season at fullback, with Tom Kingston also able to cover the No. 15 jersey from the bench.

“Angus is very keen to come back in; he had a start against the Western Force a couple of weeks ago and he’ll be looking to make the most of this opportunity,” McGahan said.

“It will be good to see him and Bryce Hegarty, two young guys from a Super Rugby experience perspective, combining.

Lachlan Mitchell will play his 50th match for the Rebels. Picture: Colleen Petch.

“They are two keen players, who are pushing each other around the field, and they are keen to make their mark and help each other with direction and what we are trying to implement from attack.

“Tom Kingston has good versatility to cover the wing and fullback positions.

“He has worked hard at training in the last few weeks, and has been impressing with his work ethic and what he has been delivering; he’s earned his spot in the matchday 23.”

Prop Cruze Ah-Nau is in contention to make his Super Rugby debut after being selected as a reserve.

“Cruze has worked very hard behind the scenes and is ready if called upon,” McGahan said.

“He’s had a really good pre-season; he only had 20 minutes in the trials as the other four lads did really well.

“It’s a great opportunity for him and as we have spoken about previously depth is such a huge part of this competition. Being able to rely upon different members of the squad to come in at different points in time is important, and they have to be ready; we think Cruze is.

“Our whole forward pack faces a great battle this week against a seasoned international pack at the Waratahs, and there are internationals on the bench there as well.

“It’s certainly a great opportunity for our forwards individually, and especially in the front row.”

Rebels team to play NSW Waratahs

Friday March 21, Allianz Stadium

1. Toby Smith

2. Pat Leafa

3. Paul Alo-Emile

4. Hugh Pyle

5. Luke Jones

6. Sean McMahon

7. Scott Fuglistaller

8. Scott Higginbotham (C)

9. Luke Burgess

10. Bryce Hegarty

11. Tom English

12. Mitch Inman

13. Tamati Ellison

14. Lachlan Mitchell

15. Angus Roberts

16. Shota Horie

17. Max Lahiff

18. Cruze Ah-Nau

19. Cadeyrn Neville

20. Colby Fainga’a

21. Ben Meehan

22. Male Sa’u

23. Tom Kingston