Timani adds bulk for Rebels
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Rebels head coach Tony McGahan has made just two changes to his starting XV heading into the clash with the Reds on Friday at AAMI Park.
Lopeti Timani returns and Paul Alo-Emile gets his first start of the season.
Tighthead prop Alo-Emile replaces the injured Laurie Weeks in the front row, while utility forward Timani returns to start at lock after a week off.
Tim Metcher is named on the bench for the first time – he has a chance to make his Super Rugby debut.
McGahan has opted for a 6/2 split of forwards and backs, naming Jordy Reid in a matchday squad for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, Wallaby scrumhalf Luke Burgess also returns to the squad.
McGahan said he was looking forward to taking on a Reds side full of internationals.
“Everybody at the Rebels is really looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Reds,” he said.
“We had two great battles with them last season, and we are prepared for another.
"They’re a quality team, with a huge amount of experience at Super Rugby and Test match level.”
McGahan also said he was confident that Alo-Emile would perform from the outset in his first start of the campaign.
“Paul has shown in every game what he brings to the team," he continued.
"We were disappointed to see Laurie go down, but we have greater depth than ever before.
"Paul played almost a full game last week against the Hurricanes and did a very good job.
“Lopeti has had an impressive campaign thus far, adjusting well to a new position and greater responsibility.
"We’re looking forward to seeing him back out there.
"Tim Metcher gets his chance on the bench after working so hard since joining us late last year."
Rebels: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Tom English, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Sefanaia Naivalu, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Scott Higginbotham (co-captain), 7 Scott Fuglistaller (co-captain), 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Lopeti Timani, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Pat Leafa, 1 Toby Smith.Replacements: 16 Tom Sexton, 17 Cruze Ah-Nau, 18 Tim Metcher, 19 Cadeyrn Neville, 20 Colby Fainga’a, 21 Luke Burgess, 22 Jordy Reid, 23 Bryce Hegarty.
Date: Friday, April 3
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.40 (18.40 AEST; 08.40 GMT)
Referee: Matt O'Brien (Australia)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Michael Hogan (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
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