Melbourne have named Reece Hodge to take on the unbeaten Crusaders with the Wallabies' centre still to pass a concussion test for Saturday night's Super Rugby clash.
The 22-year-old was knocked out in the opening minutes of the Rebels' heavy last-round loss to the NSW Waratahs and must still be given a medical clearance to line up at AAMI Park.
While Hodge has kept his place, the Rebels have made five changes with their backline strengthened by the return from injury of skipper Nic Stirzaker, Tom English and Sefa Naivalu, while flanker Colby Fainga'a returns to the starting line-up and Lopeti Timani shifts to lock.
Stirzaker will lead the side. An ankle injury sidelined the halfback for four weeks, while outside centre English and winger Naivalu missed last week's game.
Coach Tony McGahan is happy to field a full-strength side, which they will need to mount a challenge against the rampant Kiwi team.
"We're all excited at the Rebels with the team selected this week," McGahan said.
"To have robust discussions around some positions was welcomed by the coaches."
The Rebels are on guard for lapses late in both halves, which have proved costly through the season.
"We have let ourselves down this season in the final minutes of the first and second halves with basic skill errors and game management, so we aim to eliminate those situations against the competition's leaders," McGahan said.
REBELS:
Ben Volavola, Sefa Naivalu, Tom English, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Nic Stirzaker (capt), Amanaki Mafi, Colby Fainga'a, Sean McMahon, Lopeti Timani, Steve Cummins, Tyrel Lomax, James Hanson, Toby Smith.
Res: Siliva Siliva, Fereti Sa'aga, Laurie Weeks, Culum Retallick, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Meehan, Mitch Inman, Jonah Placid.
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