The Rebels will have to make their last push for a finals spot without four of their most high-profile players.
Fullback Dane Haylett-Petty (knee) and Geoff Parling (shoulder) have been ruled out of their final regular round clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin, joining Adam Coleman (adductor) and Will Genia (arm) on the sidelines.
Genia has trained with the Rebels this week but hasn't recovered enough from a broken arm to play, while Coleman and Haylett-Petty both missed sessions this week.
Jack Maddocks replaces Haylett-Petty at fullback and Sefa Naivalu has been named to start on the right wing for the must-win match.
Ross Haylett-Petty will start for the first time since round 10, named at lock, while Lopeti Timani and Sam Jeffries both return to the 23 on the bench.
Rebels coach Dave Wessels has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench as the Rebels look to set the tone physically in Dunedin.
Wessels said the side had taken an honest look at its performance against the Reds and everyone was determined to improve.
“Everyone has embraced the areas of our performance we weren't happy with last week. It wasn’t at the standard that we set for ourselves," he said.
“But we know that if we play with intensity we're capable of beating any team in this comp.
“We won’t shy away from the fact this is a big game for our club and supporters in Melbourne, just like we won’t shy away from the excitement of the reward on offer.
“We set out at the start of the season to play in a way that would make the people of Melbourne proud and we really want to do that again on Saturday night.”
The Highlanders will be resting some of their biggest names for the final round outing, with All Blacks stars Ben Smith and Aaron Smith both omitted and regular forwards Luke Whitelock and Dillon Hunt also left out.
The Rebels take on the Highlanders on Saturday in Dunedin, kicking off at 5:15pm local, 3:15pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
IN: Sam Jeffries, Lopeti Timani
OUT: Geoff Parling, Dane Haylett-Petty
Rebels to face the Highlanders
1. Fereti Sa’aga
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Sam Talakai
4. Matt Philip
5. Ross Haylett-Petty
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Colby Fainga’a
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Michael Ruru
10. Reece Hodge
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Billy Meakes
13. Tom English (capt.)
14. Sefa Naivalu
15. Jack Maddocks
Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Jermaine Ainsley
19. Sam Jeffries
20. Richard Hardwick
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Lopeti Timani
Highlanders to face the Rebels
1. Aki Seuili
2. Liam Coltman
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Alex Ainley
5. Jackson Hemopo
Shannon Frizell
James Lentjes (C)
Liam Squire
Kayne Hammington
Lima Sopoaga
Tevita Li
Teihorangi Walden
Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Waisake Naholo
Josh Ioane
Reserves
Greg Pleasants-Tate
Daniel Lienert-Brown
Kalolo Tuiloma
Tom Franklin
Dillon Hunt
Josh Renton
Matt Faddes
Josh McKay
