Meakes breaks a tackle

Rebels run it back and do well as they finds space out wide

Reds kick off

The Rebels come out

The Reds are out

The sides are getting ready to come out

The contest between the Rebels and the Reds goes much deeper than the Super Rugby table with both sides overcoming recent struggles and looking to take top spot in the Australian conference with a win today. The Rebels won in Queensland earlier this season but the Reds have 3 wins from their last 5 while the Rebels have just 2. All the live updates to follow

Melbourne Head Coach Dave Wessels says while English was due to be rested after playing 10 consecutive games, the centre’s injury only reinforced the need for the star back to be sidelined.

There are a further four changes to the reserves, as Smith and Blyth’s promotion sees Harry Hoopert and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on the bench.

Caleb Timu is back in the Reds’ 23 after serving a club Rugby suspension, while Isaac Lucas returns following a title-winning campaign with the Junior Wallabies at the Oceania U20s Championship.