Melbourne Rebels skipper Dane Haylett-Petty is back to take on the Hurricanes however fellow Wallaby Jordan Uelese will miss Saturday's Super Rugby clash in Wellington.
Fullback Haylett-Petty (toe) hasn't played since March while hooker Uelese has been sidelined for almost a year following knee surgery, however he is likely to return through club rugby.
With Haylett-Petty back in the No.15 jumper, Reece Hodge has shifted to inside centre with Billy Meakes moving to the bench.
Test lock Adam Coleman was unavailable for selection due to a shoulder injury.
Coach Dave Wessels said the team had missed Haylett-Petty's leadership, particularly in their second-half capitulation against the Waratahs, which was their last game before the bye.
"Hodgey did a really good job for us at fullback so it wasn't a straightforward decision but it's great from a leadership perspective to have Dane back," Wessels said.
"He's an experienced guy who has the respect of the group and he's got a presence in the team."
Wessels said that while young Uelese was back in full training, his return needed to be managed carefully after so long out.
"I want him to feel confident - it's probably got less to do with his body and more to do with his head now," he said.
Wessels said his team needed the bye after a draining block of games that ended with them losing two of their last three after a bright start.
"We've been disappointed with the way we've played in our last two games," he said.
"Regardless of the result we haven't played to the level that we want to play and that's been the focus for us this week."
Wessels said the team would need to return to their best to topple the Hurricanes, who have only dropped two games to sit second on the overall Super Rugby ladder.
The Rebels still hold down top spot in the Australian conference with closest rivals the Waratahs and Brumbies both falling last round.
The Rebels take on Hurricanes on Saturday May 4 at Westpac Stadium, kicking off at 5:15pm local, 3:15pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via Kayo Sports.
TEAM
Rebels to take on Hurricanes
1. Tetera Fualkner
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Luke Jones
5. Matt Philip
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Rob Leota
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Reece Hodge
13. Tom English
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Hugh Roach
17. Matt Gibbon
18. Sam Talakai
19. Ross Haylett-Petty
20. Pone Fa'amausili
21. Michael Ruru
22. Billy Meakes
23. Campbell Magnay
