Quade Cooper will make his first appearance for the Rebels in a Vodacom Super Rugby warm-up match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
The 70-cap Wallabies flyhalf joined the Rebels after being frozen out by Reds coach Brad Thorn, and played most of his rugby last year for a third-tier club in Brisbane.
The 30-year-old is now set for his first run-out for his new side in an inexperienced 29-man squad, as coach Dave Wessels gives a number of young guns an opportunity to impress.
New signings in loosehead prop Mees Erasmus, who will be up against his former side, hooker Hugh Roach and lock Luke Jones will also all get a start.
Rebels – 15 Beaudein Waaka, 14 Semisi Tupou, 13 Tasi Tautalatasi, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Sione Tui, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Richard Hardwick, 7 Esei Ha’angana, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Hugh Roach, 1 Mees Erasmus.
Subs: 16 Matthew Gibbon, 17 Cameron Betham, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Rhys Brodie, 20 Trevor Hosea, 21 Michael Koko, 22 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 23 Jon Mokofisi, 24 Harrison Goddard, 25 Stu Dunbar, 26 Navarre Haisila, 27 Archie King, 28 Kemu Valentini, 29 Justin Masters.
Photo: News Corp Australia
