Melbourne Rebels will welcome back inspirational skipper Stirling Mortlock from a hip injury for Friday's Super Rugby clash with the Blues in Auckland.

Mortlock was a late withdrawal from last round's heavy 40-18 loss to the Highlanders, but has been named by coach Rod McQueen at inside centre to face the Blues at North Harbour Stadium - relegating Jimmy Hilgendorf to the bench.

Julian Huxley also returns at fullback, with Richard Kingi named on the bench.

Rebels: Julian Huxley, Lachlan Mitchell, Mark Gerrard, 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: Heath Tessmann, Laurie Weeks, Hoani Macdonald, Tim Davidson, Richard Kingi, James Hilgendorf, Luke Rooney.

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Benson Stanley, Rene Ranger, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Res: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Filo Paulo, Chris Lowrey, Toby Morland, Luke McAlister, Lachie Munro.

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