Alo-Emile hits half ton for Rebels

Editor

Rebels boss Tony McGahan has made four changes to his starting XV for Saturday's clash with the Bulls in Melbourne.

Tighthead prop Paul Alo-Emile returns to the starting line-up – in the only change to the pack – and will become the sixth player in the club’s short history to reach 50 Rebels caps.

Amongst the backs, left wing Cam Crawford is named for his first start at AAMI Park, outside centre Tamati Ellison returns from a short injury lay-off and scrum-half Nic Stirzaker starts after coming off the bench last weekend. 

In the reserves, young Rebels Sam Jeffries, Ben Meehan and Tim Metcher are all included in the matchday 23.

Melbourne Rebels: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Cam Crawford, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Scott Higginbotham (c), 7 Colby Fainga’a, 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 Sam Jeffries, 20 Jordy Reid, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Tom English.

Date: Saturday, June 6
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 15:30 local (09:30 GMT; 17:30 NZST, 07:30 SAST)
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant referees: James Leckie, Michael Hogan
TMO: Ian Smith