Coach Damien Hill says Rebels stars can press Test claims v British and Irish Lions

REBELS coach Damien Hill has laid out the challenge for his players with international aspirations to go their hardest against the British and Irish Lions tomorrow night.

Coach Damien Hill looks on during a Melbourne Rebels captain's run at AAMI Park. Picture: Quinn Rooney

MELBOURNE Rebels coach Damien Hill has laid out the challenge for several of his players with international aspirations to go their hardest against the British and Irish Lions tomorrow night.

Starting his first game for the Rebels, halfback and former Wallaby Luke Burgess gets his chance to impress national coach Robbie Deans for not only the remainder of the series, but the upcoming Rugby Championship as well.

But Hill also put centre Mitch Inman, locks Hugh Pyle and Cadeyrn Neville, flanker Jarrod Saffy and winger Cooper Vuna, who played for the Wallabies last year, in that category.

"There are a number of players here who see themselves in a green a gold jersey, and this is a good challenge for them," Hill said.

"We have a number of players who aspire to play for the Wallabies in the next couple of years and no better arena could they test their skills."

Pyle has put off what would have been season-ending shoulder surgery to play and said having come through some serious contact sessions over the weekend, he was raring to go.

"It's a massive game, they have got quality players everywhere, international players," Pyle said.

"That's what makes it so exciting and something to look forward to, because as a playing group we get to test ourselves against the best players in the world.

"We are going out with nothing to lose and everything to gain."

The Rebels had their final training run on Monday morning and will go in as named.

Lions captain Geoff Parling said he and plenty of others playing tomorrow were going to use the chance to break in to the line-up for Saturday's Test, which would ensure an all-out effort from the tourists.

"You're only going to press your claim if the team does well. If the team plays poorly, there's not a chance you're going to get in that Test side," he said.

"It's a big opportunity for the guys. You're pulling on that shirt again, no matter if it's a Test game or not. For the guys who haven't had as much game time as they would have liked, it's a massive opportunity."

The Lions will have their captain's run on Monday afternoon at AAMI Park.

Coach Damien Hill looks on during a Melbourne Rebels captain's run at AAMI Park. Picture: Quinn Rooney