Utility Julian Huxley takes over the Melbourne Rebels' problem five-eighth role for their Super Rugby clash with the defending champion Bulls in Pretoria.

With English import Danny Cipriani sidelined by off-field issues and back-up Jimmy Hilgendorf ruled out with injury, Huxley switches to the playmaking duties for the Loftus Versfeld clash on Saturday (early Sunday AEST).

That move sees Richard Kingi come back at fullback after missing last week's loss to Queensland while suspended for a late night out along with Cipriani.

Luke Rooney returns in place of Peter Betham on the left wing while Afusipa Taumoepeau replaces injured star Mark Gerrard at outside centre.

Melbourne Rebels: Richard Kingi, Lachlan Mitchell, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Luke Rooney, Julian Huxley, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Hoani Macdonald, Alister Campbell, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Greg Somerville. Res: Heath Tessman, Nic Henderson, Kevin O'Neill, Jarrod Saffy, Tim Davidson, Peter Betham, Cooper Vuna.

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