Melbourne lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been ruled out with a fractured foot in a big loss for the Rebels, who face the Crusaders in Super Rugby action.
Australian teams can turn the tables on their Kiwi rivals this round, ending years of dominance in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Reds halfback Louis Werchon has learnt from his tardiness after being denied a Super Rugby Pacific debut, dropped for being three minutes late to a meeting.