Rebels draft in rookie

Jonah Placid will make his debut at fullback when the Rebels face the Lions in Melbourne on Saturday.

The 19-year-old will slot into the last line of defence after regular flyhalf Jack Debreczeni was ruled out through injury, forcing Mike Harris to shift into the No 10 jersey.

Meanwhile, lock Lopeti Timani has overcome a concussion suffered during last weekend's victory over the Force, and retains his place in the team.

Rebels – 15 Jonah Placid, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Tom English, 10 Mike Harris, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Scott Higginbotham (c), 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Lopeti Timani, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Pat Leafa, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Tom Sexton, 17 Cruze Ah-Nau, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Steve Cummins, 20 Colby Fainga’a, 21 Luke Burgess, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Sefanaia Naivalu.

Super Rugby teams (Round 6)

Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images