Melbourne’s hopes of resurrecting their Super Rugby season have been dealt a blow, with Wallabies back Dane Haylett-Petty joining injured Will Genia on the sidelines.
Haylett-Petty has been troubled this season by concussion and he will miss Saturday night’s clash against the Brumbies in Canberra with a neck injury.
The Rebels, who have lost their past five games, expect him to be available for their next match and also for the Wallabies’ three-Test series against Ireland next month.
“We thought it was it was related to his concussion but through the specialist they’ve said it’s a neck problem,” Rebels coach Dave Wessels said.
“He’s probably at 90 per cent and it would be nice to have him but he’s such an important player for us and the Wallabies we won’t risk him.”
The Rebels have made minimal changes despite what Wessels called an “embarrassing” result against the Crusaders last round.
Genia injured his knee in the 55-10 loss, with Michael Ruru starting at No.9 in his absence.
Tom English will join Reece Hodge in the centres, relegating Billy Meakes to the bench.
Victorian speedster Semisi Tupou, who this week was named in the Wallabies under-20 side, will start in his first Super Rugby game of the season, and only his second ever, replacing Test winger Sefa Naivalu.
“He’s got great feet and he’s very fast and one of the reasons we picked him for this game is his work rate,” Wessels said.
“He’s incredibly fit and that’s the type of intensity I think we’re going to need to be successful in Canberra.”
Rebels: Jack Maddocks, Semisi Tupou, Reece Hodge, Tom English, Marika Koroibete, Jack Debreczeni, Michael Ruru,, Amanaki Mafi, Colby Fainga’a, Angus Cottrell, Adam Coleman (capt), Geoff Parling, Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi, Fereti Sa’aga. Res: Nathan Charles, Tetera Faulkner, Jermaine Ainsley, Matt Philip, Lopeti Timani, Harrison Goddard, Billy Meakes.