Meehan gets Super start
Rebels coach Tony McGahan has made two enforced changes to his side, as the Waratahs prepare to visit Melbourne for their Round 15 Super Rugby showdown on Friday.
Rookie scrumhalf Ben Meehan replaces the injured Luke Burgess in the starting line-up, with former Waratah Josh Holmes joining the Rebels' matchday squad for the first time after signing for the franchise a fortnight ago.
Prop Laurie Weeks misses with a minor ankle injury, allowing Paul Alo-Emile to slot into the starting line-up, with Max Lahiff added to the bench.
Whilst disappointed to see Burgess join fellow scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker on the injury list, McGahan is confident former Australian Under-20 star Meehan is capable of stepping up for his first start – following five substitute appearances in his maiden Super Rugby campaign.
"Luke Burgess' injury is disappointing for us, particularly on the back of Nic Stirzaker getting injured a few weeks ago," McGahan said.
"Luke has been in tremendous form for us, and his high energy and enthusiasm will be missed.
"Ben Meehan has been plying his trade down here and working really hard behind the scenes, and he is eager to get a start and make the most of it. We're all really confident that he can come in and deliver."
McGahan is excited to be back in Melbourne in front of the Rebels' supporters.
"From our point of view, being able to play at home in a derby against a play-off-bound Waratahs outfit is an opportunity to play well. Back to back results would be fantastic."
Rebels: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Tom English, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Ben Meehan, 8 Scott Higginbotham (captain), 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Colby Fainga'a, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Paul Alo-Emilie, 2 Pat Leafa, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Steve Fualau, 17 Cruze Ah-Nau, 18 Max Lahiff, 19 Hugh Pyle, 20 Sean McMahon, 21 Josh Holmes, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Angus Roberts.
Date: Friday May 23
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
Assistant referees: Matt O'Brien (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
