The Melbourne Rebels have been further hit by injury and illness ahead of their Super Rugby season‑opener tomorrow night.
They will start without six of their best players including star wingers Sefanaia Naivalu and Marika Koroibete.
Hooker James Hanson, Dom Shipperley, forward Toby Smith and last year's Australian Super Rugby player of the year Sean McMahon have also been sidelined.
The Rebels had hoped Naivalu, Hanson or Koroibete could get up for selection but all three need more time and the club did not want to risk longer term injuries by playing them.
Captain and halfback Nic Stir-zaker will lead out a Rebels side with three starting debutants and two more rookies coming off the bench.
The Rebels will host the Blues at 8.45pm tomorrow.
Source: smh
