Live updates: Super Rugby Pacific - Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders at Melbourne's AAMI Park

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Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific clash at Melbourne's AAMI Park.

The southerners haven't won in more than a month - against NSW Waratahs in Sydney - and most recently, they have extended their woeful losing streak in NZ derbies against the Chiefs and Hurricanes.

They'll be glad to get across the Tasman to face the Rebels, who are living on borrowed time in this competition, but have strung together some wins to sit fifth on the table.

If they are to sneak into the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, this is the kind of encounter the Highlanders must target to win. Coach Clarke Dermody has made some outrageous calls in his selections, benching All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot and former Wales international first-five Rhys Patchell.

Much will be expected of rookie first-five AJ Faleafaga, who has impressed with his limited opportunities so far this season.

Join us at 9:30pm for kickoff.

TAB Odds: Highlanders $1.62, Rebels $2.35, Draw $16

Click here to refresh page

Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific clash at Melbourne's AAMI Park.

The southerners haven't won in more than a month - against NSW Waratahs in Sydney - and most recently, they have extended their woeful losing streak in NZ derbies against the Chiefs and Hurricanes.

They'll be glad to get across the Tasman to face the Rebels, who are living on borrowed time in this competition, but have strung together some wins to sit fifth on the table.

If they are to sneak into the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, this is the kind of encounter the Highlanders must target to win. Coach Clarke Dermody has made some outrageous calls in his selections, benching All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot and former Wales international first-five Rhys Patchell.

Much will be expected of rookie first-five AJ Faleafaga, who has impressed with his limited opportunities so far this season.

Join us at 9:30pm for kickoff.

TAB Odds: Highlanders $1.62, Rebels $2.35, Draw $16

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