Melbourne Rebels skipper Stirling Mortlock is out of their Super Rugby season opener against the Waratahs but Kurtley Beale is tipped to play.

The outside centre has failed to overcome a calf injury, while Beale’s recovery from a hamstring injury is on track for him to lineup against his old side on Friday night.

Melbourne, who had a first round bye, is also set to go into the match without first choice hooker Ged Robinson, who also has a calf injury.

In this week’s matches, Blues will play Chiefs at 6.35pm on Friday and Rebels will take on Waratahs at 8.40pm.

At 6.10am on Saturday, Lions host the Hurricanes and at 6.35pm on Saturday, Highlanders will be up against Crusaders. At 8.40pm Reds will play the Western Force.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi