Melbourne Rebels field new-look side for clash against Cheetahs

MELBOURNE Rebels will parade eight new faces in the Super Rugby team to face the Cheetahs at tomorrow night at AAMI Park.

Melbourne Rebels will unveil a host of new players against the Cheetahs, among them Steve

MELBOURNE Rebels will parade eight new faces in the Super Rugby team to face the Cheetahs at tomorrow night at AAMI Park.

Three of the newcomers — Sean McMahon, Ben Meehan and Max Lahiff — will make their Super Rugby debuts.

All Black Tamati Ellison will make his first appearance for the Rebels after stints with the Blues, Hurricanes and Highlanders and is joined by and former Chiefs prop Toby Smith.

Former Waratah Tom Kingston, ex-Crusader Steve Fuala and Brumbies recruit Colby Fainga’a are named on the bench.

An Australian Sevens star, McMahon was surprised by his selection in the starting XV.

“I was a bit stunned, a bit nervous; there were lots of different emotions, but mainly I was excited,” McMahon said.

“My mum and aunty are coming down from Brisbane and I’ll have a couple of really good mates there too.

“I’m really happy to be in the run-on side, so I can get straight in and get a feel for it. I just want to contribute to a strong first-up performance, and go from there.”

For scrumhalf Meehan, tasting some of the action would represent the realisation of a childhood dream.

“I’m very, very excited to be named in the 23,” Meehan said.

“I’ve always wanted to play professional rugby and I just want to do my family proud.

“I’m so pumped to run out at AAMI Park in front of a packed Melbourne Crowd and I’m sure the atmosphere will be electric.”

Melbourne Rebels team to play Cheetahs on Friday February 28, AAMI Park (7:30pm).

1. Toby Smith

2. Pat Leafa

3. Laurie Weeks

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. Jason Woodward

16. Steve Fualau

17. Max Lahiff

18. Paul Alo-Emile

19. Cadeyrn Neville

20. Colby Fainga’a

21. Ben Meehan

22. Angus Roberts

23. Tom Kingston