Ben Meehan has held out Rebels captain Nic Stirzaker for the second week in a row, named at nine to face the Highlanders.

Stirzaker and Scott Fuglistaller will both come off the bench for the second week in a row, after returning from injury to face the Sunwolves in Tokyo.

Rookie back Reece Hodge will also return to the 23 for Saturday’s match, after missing the past three weeks with a quad injury.

Hooker James Hanson comes into the starting side for Pat Leafa, in the only change to the starting XV.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said the trio would give the Rebels plenty of value off the pine.

“We understand the quality of the Highlanders so we need to make sure we’re at our best so to have Nic (Stirzaker), Scott (Fuglistaller) and Reece (Hodge) all back fit will provides us with quality and experience to call upon off the bench during the game,” he said.

The Rebels have just one win against the HIghalnders from four match-ups.

1. Toby Smith

2. James Hanson

3. Laurie Weeks

4. Luke Jones

5. Lopeti Timani

6. Jordy Reid

7. Sean McMahon (captain)

8. Adam Thomson

9. Ben Meehan

10. Jack Debreczeni

11. Tom English

12. Mitch Inman

13. Tamati Ellison

14. Dom Shipperley

15. Jonah Placid

Reserves

16. Pat Leafa

17. Cruze Ah Nau

18. Jamie Hagan

19. Sam Jeffries

20. Scott Fuglistaller

21. Nic Stirzaker

22. Dan Hawkins

23. Reece Hodge