Melbourne have lost skipper Dane Haylett-Petty to injury and have to rest some of their other Wallabies players against the Sharks, putting a large dent in their hopes of notching their first Super Rugby win in South Africa.

Will Genia, Adam Coleman and Marika Koroibete are among the Test stars rested from the Durban match under the Wallabies rotation policy and Haylett-Petty is out for six weeks with a toe injury.

Haylett-Petty has been replaced at fullback by Jack Maddocks, with Sione Tuipulotu getting his first start this season in the centres with Tom English shifting to the wing.

In an indication of his World Cup prospects, Fijian-born Isi Naisarani has been rested under the Wallabies policy after recently qualifying to play for Australia through residency.

His place at No.8 has been taken by new captain Angus Cottrell, while Michael Ruru replaces Genia at halfback.

“Jack Maddocks has played a fair bit of time at 15 and he’s comfortable there and it’s a great opportunity for Sione Tuipulotu to come into the team, who really deserves his chance,” said Rebels coach Dave Wessels.

The Rebels blew a dream chance to beat the Lions in Johannesburg last round, giving up a 28-point lead.

Wessels said the team had rallied well at training leading into the Sharks game, held early Sunday morning Australian time.

“The guys were obviously disappointed which is in some ways a positive sign because it shows they care and felt they’d let people down,” he said.

“That’s the stuff that fuels your best performance.”

Rebels: Jack Maddocks, Reece Hodge, Sione Tuipulotu, Billy Meakes, Tom English, Quade Cooper, Michael Ruru, Angus Cottrell, Richard Hardwick, Luke Jones, Matt Philip, Ross Haylett-Petty, Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi, Matt Gibbon. Res: Robbie Abel, Tetera Faulkner, Pone Fa’amausili, Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Harrison Goddard, Campbell Magnay, plus one TBC.