Rebels captain Adam Coleman has been cleared to play the Stormers this weekend, but star fullback Dane Haylett-Petty is back on the sidelines.
Coleman was taken off at half-time in the Rebels' loss to the Bulls last Saturday night after a head knock, but the lock has been named to lead the side in Cape Town.
The news was not so good for Haylett-Petty, Ross Haylett-Petty and hooker Jordan Uelese, who will miss the match with an arm injury
Dane Haylett-Petty's absence is worrying, after the fullback sat out for three weeks earlier this year with another concussion issue.
The Wallabies back has struggled to find consistency in 2018 when he has taken to the field, with this a tough blow for the 28-year-old.
Billy Meakes comes into the starting centre pairing for the match, with Jack Maddocks at 15 and Tom English shifting to the wing.
Lopeti Timani will start at blindside flanker for the Rebels, while Colby Faingaa comes onto the benxh as well.
Jermaine Ainsley will start for the first time since their match against the Hurricanes, with potential Super Rugby debutant Sama Malolo replacing Uelese on the bench.
Wessels said he was confident the changes, many of which are a return to the selections the Rebels began with in a strong start to the year, would not be a hindrance.
“It’s great to have LT (Timani), Jermaine and Billy back in the team – aside from Aranu Rangi (who has been fantastic) it’s the pack that we started our campaign with. We know there’s a fair bit of cohesion in that group and that will be important on Friday night," he said.
"The Stormers are a quality outfit and a particularly dangerous prospect in front of their Cape Town crowd. It’s a wonderful challenge for our players and we’re excited for Friday.”
The Rebels are looking to snap a three-game losing streak when they meet the Stormers in Cape Town, and their first win in South Africa.
The Rebels take on the Stormers on Friday night, kicking off at 11:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
TEAM
IN: Lopeti Timani, Colby Faingaa, Sama Malolo, Semisi Tupou
OUT: Dane Haylett-Petty, Jordan Uelese, Ross Haylett-Petty, Richard Hardwick
Rebels to face the Stormers
1. Tetera Faulkner
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Matt Philip
5. Adam Coleman (C)
6. Lopeti Timani
7. Angus Cottrell
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Michael Ruru
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Billy Meakes
13. Reece Hodge
14. Tom English
15. Jack Maddocks
Reserves
16. Sama Malolo
17. Fereti Saaga
18. Sam Talakai
19. Geoff Parling
20. Colby Faingaa
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Semisi Tupou
23. Sefa Naivalu
