Returning Dylan Riley starts alongside De Allende for the first time this season

Fit-again Japan star Dylan Riley returns to action for Saitama Wilds Knights on Saturday and will partner Damian de Allende for the first time this season against Honda Heat.

Riley, 28, has recovered from a fractured finger that he sustained against Mitsubishi Dynaboars on 28 December, as RugbyJP.com exclusively revealed in January.

The former Australia u20s international underwent surgery on his little finger which involved inserting k-wires to help repair the fracture.

Atsushi Kanazawa’s side suffered their first loss of the season against Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers last week.

Riley’s return provides a timely boost for the inaugural League One champions as the South Africa-born standout takes over from Hayata Taniyama in the number 13 jersey.

Riley in action against Urayasu in round two - © JRLO

The Brave Blossoms centre reprises his long-time and world-class midfield partnership with South Africa’s double World Cup winner De Allende.

Former Kintetsu Liners number 12 De Allende marked his 50th game for the club with a try-scoring display in the loss to Kobe.

Saitama’s first-choice centre partnership will look to power the former division one leaders who have dropped to third following their round nine defeat.

Saitama's team to face Honda

Kieran Crowley’s improving visitors Honda have won three of their last four games to jump up to eighth position and now have their sights on a top-six play-off spot.

The Mie-based team, who will move 468 kilometres from Suzuka to Tochigi next season, are captained by Springboks stalwart Franco Mostert. Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere and Los Pumas ace Pablo Matera complete their Category C (players capped by a country other than Japan) contingent.

Riley and De Allende will go up against Kyogo Okano and versatile South African Dawid Kellerman.

Japan-qualified Kellerman has impressed at fly-half and inside-centre this season and moves to 13 for the trip to Kumagaya.

Saitama will be aiming to return to winning ways as the league moves into the second half of the 18-game regular season with a top-of-the-table clash against new leaders Kubota Spears looming in round 11.

Meanwhile lock Lood de Jager, who last played for the club in May last year, remains registered to play despite being ruled out for the season after hip surgery.

This indicates that the club are happy with their current options in the second-row and will not be taking up the option of de-registering the South African to bring in another Category C player.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for the latest news on Saitama Wild Knights