Melbourne Rebels skipper Dane Haylett-Petty is back to take on the Hurricanes however fellow Wallaby Jordan Uelese will miss Saturday's Super Rugby clash in Wellington.
Fullback Haylett-Petty (toe) hasn't played since March while hooker Uelese has been sidelined for almost a year following knee surgery, however he is likely to return through club rugby.
With Haylett-Petty back in the No.15 jumper, Reece Hodge has shifted to inside centre with Billy Meakes moving to the bench.
Test lock Adam Coleman was unavailable for selection due to a shoulder injury.
Coach Dave Wessels said the team had missed Haylett-Petty's leadership, particularly in their second-half capitulation against the Waratahs, which was their last game before the bye.
"Hodgey did a really good job for us at fullback so it wasn't a straightforward decision but it's great from a leadership perspective to have Dane back," Wessels said.
"He's an experienced guy who has the respect of the group and he's got a presence in the team."
Wessels said that while young Uelese was back in full training, his return needed to be managed carefully after so long out.
"I want him to feel confident - it's probably got less to do with his body and more to do with his head now," he said.
Wessels said his team needed the bye after a draining block of games that ended with them losing two of their last three after a bright start.
"We've been disappointed with the way we've played in our last two games," he said.
"Regardless of the result we haven't played to the level that we want to play and that's been the focus for us this week."
Wessels said the team would need to return to their best to topple the Hurricanes, who have only dropped two games to sit second on the overall Super Rugby ladder.
The Rebels still hold down top spot in the Australian conference with closest rivals the Waratahs and Brumbies both falling last round.
Rebels: Dane Haylett-Petty (c), Jack Maddocks, Tom English, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Isi Naisarani, Rob Leota, Angus Cottrell, Matt Philip, Luke Jones, Jermaine Ainsley, Anaru Rangi, Tetera Faulkner. Res: Hugh Roach, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Reece Haylett-Petty, Pone Fa'amausili, Michael Ruru, Billy Meakes, Campbell Magnay.
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