The Melbourne Rebels have been dealt a huge blow as they try to maintain their unbeaten Super Rugby start, losing skipper Adam Coleman for Friday night's clash with the Brumbies.
The Test lock was ruled out of the AAMI Park match with sternum soreness, suffered in last weekend's 20-point victory over the Sunwolves in Tokyo.
While the absence of the captain and lineout general is a big loss, the Rebels have bolstered their bench by adding Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete and flanker Richard Hardwick, with the pair overcoming knee injuries.
Veteran prop Ben Daley has also been named to make his first appearance of the season.
Melbourne coach Dave Wessels said Coleman, who has been replaced by Ross Haylett-Petty in the starting line-up, is expected to miss just one week.
Centre Tom English is the new captain.
"Unfortunately for Adam, with the travel and a six-day turnaround, he hasn't pulled up from a knock against the Sunwolves in time for Friday night," Wessels said.
"It's exciting to welcome back Marika, Dickie (Richard) and Ben, and Ross also thoroughly deserves his chance to start."
After claiming two wins to open a season for the first time, the Rebels are eyeing more history with a third-consecutive victory.
REBELS:
Dane Haylett-Petty, Jack Maddocks, Tom English (capt), Reece Hodge, Sefa Naivalu, Jack Debreczeni, Will Genia, Amanaki Mafi, Angus Cottrell, Lopeti Timani, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip, Jermaine Ainsley, Jordan Uelese, Tetera Faulkner.
Res: Anaru Rangi, Ben Daley, Sam Talakai, Colby Fainga'a, Richard Hardwick, Michael Ruru, Billy Meakes, Marika Koroibete.
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