He still bears the nickname Zilla, but Rodney Blake is a now a very different beast.

Blake will make his Super debut for the Melbourne Rebels against the Hurricanes at AAMI Park on Friday night, starting at loosehead prop in place of the rested Nic Henderson.

In a surprise move, the Rebels have named halfback specialist Richard Kingi at fullback, covering for Julian Huxley (groin), who brings to six the players on the casualty list.

Blake was tagged Rodzilla during his time at the Reds with his size - then 140kg - making him a cult figure.

However, he fell out of favour and left in 2008 to play two seasons in France before joining the Rebels, where he has bided his time waiting to make his debut.

"It's been a bit frustrating but I just had to wait for an opportunity and now I've got to make the most of it," said the 27-year-old, who has trimmed down to 127kg.

Blake won seven Test caps from 2006 and said he still harboured ambitions to return to the Wallabies fold.

During his time at the Reds he was criticised for the technical weakness of his scrummaging but feels he's matured a lot on and off the field since then.

"I do have a point to prove, I feel I have a lot more to put into Australian rugby.

"I want to repay Melbourne for giving me another chance."

The Rebels scrum and line-out has come under fire - particularly in their 53-3 loss to the Reds in the last round when they turned over five of their own throws.

Blake predicted a better showing against the Hurricanes, who last round lost to the Blues.

"We'll lift ourselves up again," he said.

"It was disappointing last week and we've got to make up for it this week."

In other changes, Hugh Pyle moves into the second row and Adam Byrnes will start on the bench, while Michael Lipman returns from injury at openside flanker, replacing Tom Chamberlain.

South African JP Du Plessis makes his debut in the 22 while Luke Rooney will line up on the wing, with Afusipa Taumoepeau in the reserves.

Rebels: Richard Kingi, Luke Rooney, Lachlan Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Cooper Vuna, Danny Cipriani, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake. Res: Luke Holmes, Laurie Weeks, Adam Byrnes, Tim Davidson, JP Du Plessis, Peter Betham, Afusipa Taumoepeau.

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