Rebels captain Adam Coleman returns to the Melbourne starting XV for their blockbuster Australian Conference showdown against the Waratahs.
Coleman was held out of the side that thumped the Brumbies last Friday due to a minor rib injury but he is back alongside Matt Philip in the second row for Sunday's clash at Allianz Stadium.
Marika Koroibete is also back in the starting XV having made his return from injury off the bench against the Brumbies but, as expected, Jack Maddocks is not the player relegated to the bench.
Despite freely admitting playing on the wing is not for him, the 21-year-old has been arguably the form winger in the conference through the first four rounds and has subsequently kept his spot, Sefa Naivalu relegated to the bench instead.Up front Jordan Uelese has been ruled out of the match with a minor hamstring injury picked up during training this week, Anaru Rangi getting the nod at hooker in his place.
Ross Haylett-Petty has also kept his spot in the side, shifted to blindside flanker with Angus Cottrell suffering from the flu.
With Uelese out 19-year-old hooker Mahe Vailanu has also been named on the pine for a potential Super Rugby debut.
"It’s great to have Adam (Coleman) back in the mix this weekend," coach Dave Wessels said.
"Having him back in training has really lifted the standard of our set piece work.
"Gus Cottrell was down with the flu in the early part of the week, so we’ve decided to give him the week off.
"It’s another well-deserved opportunity for Ross (Haylett-Petty) – who got through a mountain of work against the Brumbies – to start on the side of our scrum."
The Rebels face the Waratahs in Sydney at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, kicking off at 4:05pm AEDT, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.
TEAM
Rebels team to face the Waratahs
1. Tetera Faulkner
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Matt Philip
5. Adam Coleman (c)
6. Lopeti Timani
7. Ross Haylett-Petty
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Will Genia
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Reece Hodge
13. Tom English
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Mahe Vailanu
17. Ben Daley
18. Sam Talakai
19. Colby Fainga’a
20. Richard Hardwick
21. Michael Ruru
22. Billy Meakes
23. Sefa Naivalu