Former Wallabies star Mark Gerrard has returned from injury to boost the struggling Melbourne Rebels in their Super Rugby clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Gerrard will partner skipper Stirling Mortlock in the centres for Saturday's match.

Thrashed 47-10 by the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend, the Rebels (3-9) badly need to get back on track against the much-improved Cheetahs (4-8) who sit four places above them on the ladder in 10th spot.

Gerrard's return sees Afusipa Taumoepeau drop to the bench while sharp attacker Cooper Vuna replaces Lachlan Mitchell on the right wing.

Coach Rod Macqueen has opted to rest impressive import Gareth Delve with Tim Davidson to play at No.8.

Tackling machine Jarrod Saffy returns to openside flanker with Michael Lipman dropping to the bench and former Western Force forward Luke Jones gets his Rebels starting debut as blindside flanker replacing Hoani Macdonald.

Prop Rodney Blake and five eighth James Hilgendorf make their returns on the bench.

Melbourne Rebels: Richard Kingi, Cooper Vuna, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Luke Rooney, Julian Huxley, Nick Phipps, Tim Davidson, Jarrod Saffy, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Greg Somerville. Res: Heath Tessmann, Rodney Blake, Kevin O'Neill, Michael Lipman, James Hilgendorf, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Peter Betham.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP