The Rebels have tweaked their team for a crunch Super Rugby clash against the Waratahs, missing three of their Wallabies for the match-up.
Will Genia, who broke his arm in the June Series, hasn't played for the Rebels since round 12, and will miss another month at least with this new injury, giving Michael Ruru the starting halfback spot again.
Hooker Jordan Uelese suffered an ACL in the Rebels' pre-June Series Super Rugby clash against the Blues, with Nathan Charles coming into the side on the bench.
Ben Daley will start at loosehead for the first time this season, with Sam Talakai shifting into the starting tighthead spot.
Melbourne sits just one point behind the Waratahs in the Australian conference, and a win would keep their finals hopes well and truly alive.
Rebels coach Dave Wessels said the team was raring to return to the Super Rugby fold.
“We have some really experienced players in our line-up who can handle the big moments in big games," he said.
“We’re gonna go out there and give it a real crack in-front of everyone at the Stockade (AAMI Park) – it’s exciting…it’s going to be a bomb-cracker of a contest.
“Above everything, we just want to put in another performance where the people of Melbourne can be proud of us.”
The Waratahs named their team earlier in the day, with Israel Folau named pending the outcome of his disciplinary hearing.
The Rebels host the Waratahs at AAMI Park on Friday June 27, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
TEAM
IN: Nathan Charles, Jack Debreczeni, Sefa Naivalu
OUT: Adam Coleman (adductor), Jordan Uelese (knee), Tayler Adams
Rebels to face the Waratahs
1. Ben Daley
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Sam Talakai
4. Matt Philip
5. Geoff Parling (v/c)
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Colby Fainga’a
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Michael Ruru
10. Reece Hodge
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Billy Meakes
13. Tom English (capt.)
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Fereti Sa'aga
18. Jermaine Ainsley
19. Ross Haylett-Petty
20. Lopeti Timani
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Sefa Naivalu
