Wallabies back Dane Haylett-Petty is being kept in cotton wool by the Rebels, sitting out of their clash with the Hurricanes.
Haylett-Petty is still suffering concussion symptoms from a collision in Melbourne's loss to the Waratahs a fortnight ago, with coach Dave Wessels opting to give him another week off to recover.
The Rebels have the bye next week, meaning his next outing would be against the Jaguares on April 14.
Jack Maddocks will retain his spot at fullback in Haylett-Petty's absence.
Winger Sefa Naivalu has been dropped to the bench, with Tom English coming into the starting side for the critical matchup.
Hooker Anaru Rangi has edged out Wallabies back-up Jordan Uelese for the starting rake spot, while Lopeti Timani comes in at six, with Angus Cottrell shifting to openside flanker.
England international Geoff Parling has been left out of the 23 altogether, with Matt Philip starting and Ross Haylett-Petty the only lock option on a 6-2 bench.
Wessels said decisions weren't easy this week.
"I can honestly say this week has been the toughest selection I’ve ever had to make," he said.
"We are very fortunate to have so many players fit, it’s been incredibly hard and I’ve had a few sleepless nights.
“In our coaches’ discussion, I’ve never had less of a consensus than we had this week. It’s a great problem to have.”
The Rebels are the first Australian team to play a Kiwi team in 2018, vying to break a 0-26 run against Kiwi Super Rugby sides that dates back to April 2016, when the Waratahs beat the Chiefs in Sydney.
That, though, wasn't something Wessels was keen to harp on ahead of the week seven match.
“They’re a good side and you obviously have to respect that. But our focus has been – as it is every week – on playing in a way that makes the people of Melbourne proud.”
The Hurricanes named their team earlier on Wednesday, with Ardie Savea and Matt Proctor left out, but Vaea Fifita returning.
The Rebels take on the Hurricanes on Friday night at AAMI Park, kicking off at 7:45pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
TEAM
Rebels team to face Hurricanes
1. Tetera Faulkner
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Matt Philip
5. Adam Coleman
6. Lopeti Timani
7. Angus Cottrell
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Will Genia
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Billy Meakes
13. Reece Hodge
14. Tom English
15. Jack Maddocks
Reserves
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Ben Daley
18. Sam Talakai
19. Ross Haylett-Petty
20. Colby Fainga’a
21. Richard Hardwick
22. Michael Ruru
23. Sefa Naivalu
