Pyle first to Super half-ton
Rebels coach Tony McGahan has shown faith in his side, following their narrow loss to the Highlanders last Friday.
He made just two changes to the matchday squad that will cross the Tasman Sea to face the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.
He welcomes the return of Colby Fainga'a and Tom Kingston from injury.
Fainga'a, who impressed against the Brumbies in Round Seven, goes back into the starting line-up at blindside flank, with Sean McMahon relegated to the bench to replace Jordy Reid.
Utility back Kingston replaces Alex Rokobaro on the replacement bench.
"Colby Fainga'a went really well against the Brumbies, so we thought we'd give him another opportunity to start this weekend," McGahan said.
"Sean McMahon, Colby and Scott Fuglistaller have been doing a great job with all of their game time this year and it's been a couple of really competitive positions there in the back row."
Flyhalf Bryce Hegarty has recovered after following concussion protocols. Hegarty was replaced against the Highlanders in the opening minutes, however McGahan is pleased to be able to call on the second-year pivot against the reigning Super Rugby champions.
"He has ticked all the boxes, and is right to go."
Lock Hugh Pyle, a foundation Rebel, becomes the first player in the franchise's brief but proud history to reach 50 Super Rugby caps for the team – following Lachlan Mitchell's achievement of reaching 50 Rebels franchise caps, although his half-ton included one against the British & Irish Lions and 49 Super Rugby caps, before suffering an untimely season-ending knee injury against the Waratahs in Sydney.
"Hugh is a very important part of the team," McGahan said.
"He is part of our leadership group, he is our line-out caller and he has gained a lot of experience. He is driving things forward, along with Scott Higginbotham and the other leaders, and he continues to fulfil an important role."
McGahan hopes to see young backline star Tom English provided with plenty of chances with the ball in hand.
"Tom has been terrific with the opportunities he's taken thus far this year," he said. "We're really eager to get him as involved as possible off his wing when the ball's travelling away from him, and also with the kick retreats. He's working hard to make sure he capitalises on any opportunities he gets."
Nic Stirzaker retains his starting jersey, despite strong form from Luke Burgess off the reserves bench in the last two weeks.
"We are very lucky to have two good scrumhalves who are equally capable of starting or completing games," McGahan said. "They've been high energy with what they're delivering for the team, and they are working hard together to make sure we are successful with what we produce on the field."
Rebels: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Male Sau, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Tom English, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Scott Higginbotham (captain), 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Colby Fainga'a, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Pat Leafa, 17 Cruze Ah-Nau, 18 Paul Alo-Emilie, 19 Cadeyrn Neville, 20 Sean McMahon, 21 Luke Burgess, 22 Tom Kingston, 23 Angus Roberts.
Date: Saturday, April 12
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 17.35 AEST)
Referee: Matt O'Brien (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
