By James Wong

The Melbourne Rebels will make history on Saturday afternoon in Tokyo when they become the first Australian Super Rugby side to face Japan’s Sunwolves.

Up for grabs will be the newly introduced Ganbatte Trophy which will be contested each time the teams play. Ganbatte is a Japanese phrase that means ‘do your best.’

Facing yet another long away trip the Rebels will not treat Saturday’s game any differently.

“For us because we’ve been on the road three of the four weeks it’s just like another away game,” said Rebels coach Tony McGahan.

“We need to make sure that we turn up and do not get distracted by the lights et cetera and we just get stuck in and get the job done.”

The Sunwolves are still seeking their first win after giving up an 18 point lead in the second half against the Cheetahs in Singapore last week.

The Japanese side scored 31 points against the Cheetahs, including a first half hat-trick to winger Akihito Yamada. The Rebels coaching staff have taken notice.

“Watching them play we’ve been really impressed. We think they’re probably the most organised attack from a new franchise that’s found its way into the competition,” said McGahan.

“They’ve certainly got heaps of points in them. We need to make sure, certainly at the start of the game, that we control field position, we control the ball and we make sure that we start well. Especially away from home.”

The Rebels will be bolstered this week by the return of Nic Stirzaker and Scott Fugistaller to the team. Both have been named on the bench.

“Getting players of that calibre back really adds to our leadership, adds to our punch, and certainly adds to how competitive the squad can be,” said McGahan.

Tamati Ellison also returns to the team after recovering from the concussion that kept him out of the Reds game.

“We struggled a bit last week with that second playmaker role, and organisation and all the things that a player of Tamati’s experience and class brings. To have him on the field is absolutely fantastic.

“He brings a lot to our group; obviously from a technical side of things but also experience, calmness and he allows us to execute a few more opportunities.

“He’s spent a lot of time in Japan playing and brings a lot of experience in the heat of the battle as well.”

The Rebels will face two familiar faces this weekend in Sunwolves hooker and captain Shota Horie and prop Keita Inagaki. Horie made 18 appearances for the Rebels in two years before missing the 2015 due to injury. Inagaki was awarded one cap in 2015.

During his time in Melbourne Horie became somewhat of a cult figure among Rebels fans. He was awarded the Melbourne Rebels ‘People’s Choice’ award in 2014.

McGahan was full of praise for the pair.

“Shota didn’t play much at all in 2013 but in 2014 he started a lot of games and was in the 23 every week.

“You saw his improvement and his development really take on and that is really evident in the way he influences games now at international level and also at the Sunwolves.

“Inagaki is the same you’ve seen his development there.

“They’re both terrific guys and the players have got a lot of respect for them, both as people and as rugby players and we’re delighted that we’ve played a small part in their development.”