James Hilgendorf will fill the five-eighth position for Melbourne’s Super Rugby clash with the Lions in Johannesburg this weekend, following injuries to key playmakers Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor.

Hilgendorf replaces O’Connor and Julian Huxley is named at fullback in place of Beale for the match early on Sunday (AEST).

Melbourne coach Damien Hill has made three changes to his starting pack.

Ged Robinson comes in at hooker for Adam Freier, Al Campbell replaces Hugh Pyle in the second row and Tim Davidson takes over at blindside flanker from Tim Chamberlain.

Rebels: Julian Huxley, Mark Gerrard, Mitch Inman, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Cooper Vuna, James Hilgendorf, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Hugh Perrett, Tim Davidson, Al Campbell, Cadeyrn Neville, Jono Owen, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson. Res: Adam Freier, Paul Alo-Emile, Hugh Pyle, Luke Jones, Richard Kingi, Lachlan Mitchell, Lloyd Johannson.