The Melbourne Rebels’ attack has a new dimension that’s set to lift them away from the bottom of the Super Rugby ladder this season, says winger Tom English.

The Rebels, who managed only four wins in 2014, open their campaign on Friday night against last season’s runners-up the Crusaders in Christchurch.

While they know the threats that the seven-times champion Crusaders possess, English says the Rebels also have plenty of weapons on board this time.

The 23-year-old says the addition of attack coach Todd Louden to Melbourne has had an immediate impact.

Louden won a Super Rugby title in 2007 as an assistant coach with the Bulls, before joining the Waratahs the following year and helping steer them to the final.

“He’s brought a new dimension to our attack this year,” English said of Louden.

“There’s a lot more structure to it and we’re attacking with a lot more purpose.”

Last season Melbourne only managed 29 tries – one ahead of the last-placed Bulls and a mile behind champions NSW Waratahs, who posted 60.

They also have never managed to win outside of Australia – an embarrassing fact they’d like to change early this season.

The Rebels are set to hand rookie five-eighth Jack Debreczeni the playmaker’s jersey after his impressive showing as the highest point-scorer in the National Rugby Championship.

Former Wallaby Mike Harris, an off-season recruit, is set to start at fullback against the Crusaders, who will have All Blacks stars Richie McCaw and Dan Carter in the line-up.

Fellow Test stars Wyatt Crockett and Ryan Crotty will start on the home side’s bench.

Another former Queenslander Dom Shipperley, is among four players in line to make their Rebels debut.

Shipperley has been named on the wing while hooker Ben Whittaker and outside back Sefanaia Naivalu have been named as reserves.

English said Harris had been helping Debreczeni, who will partner Nic Stirzaker in the halves.

“Mike’s a calming influence on the squad,” English said.

“He’s been helping Jack with his game management and dealing with pressure so he’s been great addition for us.”

Rebels: Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker, Scott Higginbotham, Colby Faingaa, Sean McMahon, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Res: Ben Whittaker, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty, Sefanaia Naivalu.