Star English import Danny Cipriani has been dropped to the Melbourne Rebels' bench for Saturday night's Super Rugby clash with the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

Cipriani, whose defence has come into question in recent weeks, has been replaced at five-eighth by James Hilgendorf.

Former Wallabies Mark Gerrard and Stirling Mortlock will form a powerful midfield for the Rebels after being cleared of injury.

Gerrard missed the Rebels' 40-23 loss to the Blues last round with a hamstring strain, while Mortlock hurt his back in Auckland.

Julian Huxley moves to fullback and Cooper Vuna is relegated to the bench with Peter Betham taking his place on the wing.

Melbourne: Julian Huxley, Lachlan Mitchell, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Peter Betham, James Hilgendorf, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake. Reserves: Heath Tessmann, Laurie Weeks, Hoani Macdonald, Tim Davidson, Richard Kingi, Cooper Vuna, Danny Cipriani.

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