Selection squeeze for resurgent Melbourne Rebels

MELBOURNE's stunning recovery from its hellish South African tour will take on another dimension this week.

Bryce Hegarty

MELBOURNE's stunning recovery from its hellish South African tour will take on another dimension this week as coach Damien Hill faces an enviable selection squeeze.

Riding impressive momentum with successive wins over 2012 minor premier Stormers and nemesis NSW, the Rebels could this week regain Wallabies James O'Connor, Kurtley Beale and Cooper Vuna.

The Rebels face the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night chasing a historic third successive win and Hill could face with several selection dilemmas as Melbourne bids for its highest finish in three seasons.

Beale is under suspension for breaching off-field behavioural protocols but is expected to soon emerge from a Sydney health facility.

O'Connor is poised to return after missing two matches with a sternum injury, while Vuna has been sidelined with a calf injury.

Despite the trio's strong claims for starting places, Hill will be understandably reluctant to punt the unheralded talent responsible for recent landmark wins.

Rookie flyhalf Bryce Hegarty - notionally Melbourne's fourth-string No.10 behind Beale, O'Connor and injured Angus Roberts - has been a revelation in two matches.

Fullback Jason Woodward was brilliant against the 'Tahs, melding searing running with safe kicking.

And NSW academy discard Tom English scored a pair of tries against his former club to underline the growth of Hill's revolution.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the way that the young guys have taken their opportunities," Hill said.

"What it does is give the team confidence in the whole squad, and I think that's a real positive.

"The team has definitely evolved and grown, and it's been a significant step forward this year.

"We had 43 per cent changeover in the squad (in the off-season) and we are at a good stage in this club's development."

If O'Connor, Beale and Vuna are available, the most likely changes are likely to affect the bench.

Utility James Hilgendorf, dubbed "Lazarus" after being recalled last week after being delisted at the end of last season, would probably make way.

But there are no obvious solutions beyond that for Hill.

Kimami Sitauti impressed in a late-match cameo, English was excellent and Lachie Mitchell has been one of the club's most consistent players.

Captain Scott Higginbotham praised the club's novice players.

"There's a lot of first year Super Rugby players, and they are clearly showing that they have the talent, skill and motivation to play at this level and do well at this level," Higginbotham said.

"We have so much faith in our young guys like Bryce, 'Stirzy' (Nic Stirzaker) and Tommy English coming through.

"It's fantastic to see young blokes like th! at doing so well in their first season of Super Rugby.

"I think now, teams are starting to see us differently. In the last couple of performances, we are definitely proving that we are an 80 minute team."