Melbourne Rising head coach Zane Hilton has named an experienced team to play Perth Spirit in the opening round of the 2016 National Rugby Championship.

The Rising team for the first round features 14 players with Super Rugby experience in the starting line-up, including Rebels captain Nic Stirzaker, Tom English, Cruze Ah Nau , Jordy Reid, Sefa Naivalu  and Ben Meehan.

The Rising travel to Perth with six club debutants including Australian U20’s stars Rob Leota, Harley Fox and Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano named in the run-on team.

Stirzaker and Naivalu will make their much-awaited return to NRC action against the Spirit after the pair missed the 2015 season with a year-ending shoulder and leg injury respectively.

“The exciting nature of the competition doesn’t allow for teams to ease into the season so we’ve named a strong team to give us the best chance against a quality opposition,” Hilton said.

“The side is full of domestic and international experience with plenty of familiar Rebels faces, supported by quality young Australian U20’s talent, who are making their NRC debuts, and strong Dewar Shield club players.”

Perth has won two of the three previous meetings between the two sides, including the 2014 semi-final.

“It’s always a great battle with the Spirit, they’ve got the wood over us in the last couple of meetings, so an away trip to Perth to start the season will be a great opportunity for us so early in the competition,” Hilton said.

Melbourne Rising team to play Perth Spirit

Cruze Ah Nau, Pat Leafa, Tim Metcher, Sam Jeffries, Steve Cummins, Rob Leota, Jordy Reid, Harley Fox, Nic Stirzaker, Jack Debreczeni, Tom English, Sione Tuipulotu, Sefa Naivalu, Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano, Jonah Placid. Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Tom Moloney, Tyrel Lomax, Alex Toolis, Ikapote Tupai, Ben Meehan, Lloyd Johansson, Taiso Silafai-Leaana.