Thomson to make Rebels debut
Thomson joins Lopeti Timani, Sean McMahon and Tamati Ellison, who will all return to the Rebels fold for the encounter, in a 27-man squad for the trial match ahead of the opening round of the Super Rugby season.
"We expect nothing less than a big, fast and powerful Samoan team to provide us a real physical test heading into the start of the season.
"The trial against Samoa gives us an important opportunity to give competitive minutes to those players returning from stints on the sideline and a chance to put into practice our learnings from the Blues trial," Head coach Tony McGahan.
After their first pre-season trial against the Blues in Auckland, the Rebels return home for their first competitive fixture.
Rebels squad:
Forwards: Cruze Ah Nau, Ryan Cocker, Steve Cummins, Colby Fainga'a, Scott Fuglistaller, James Hanson, Luke Jones, Pat Leafa, Sean McMahon (captain), Jordy Reid, Culum Retallick, Siliva Siliva, Toby Smith, Adam Thomson, Lopeti Timani, Laurie Weeks.
Backs: Jack Debreczeni, Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Mike Harris, Dan Hawkins, Reece Hodge, Mitch Inman, Ben Meehan, Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperley, Mick Snowden.
Date: Thursday, February 18
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 18.30 AEDT (07.30 GMT)
Referee :Will Houston (Australia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Oliver Kellett (Australia)
