The Melbourne Rebels are looking to secure a rare win over the Hurricanes when the sides meet at Super Round Melbourne on Friday night.
They have been boosted by the return of lock Trevor Hosea to their starting XV and have included Italy Test wing Monty Ioane. Prop Matt Gibbon will play his 50th game for the side without ever enjoying a win over the Hurricanes.
Gibbon said the side had a strong pack for the game.
"I don't think I've ever beaten the Hurricanes since I've been at the Rebels, so I've got 50 caps this weekend, and it would be lovely to get one-up on those boys.
"I'm excited to see how we go against their forwards and across that backline. We have some things to fix up on the weekend."
Gibbon expects an improved showing from their opening loss to the Force, a game that 'blew out the cobwebs'.
"That first game is always tough. You're always going to have to blow out the cobwebs because it's unlike any trial.
"There were a few things that we were happy with how they worked, but at the end of the game, we started to fall off our tackles and structure.
"There were a few times in that second half where you could see our attack and defence lighting up which brings us a lot of confidence. We just have to nail it this week."
Melbourne-born Monty Ioane, who played for Tasman and Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, will play his first home game for the side after debuting in Perth last week. Among Ioane's 14 Tests was Italy's 28-27 win over Australia in Florence in November. He hopes to be part of the Italy team at the Rugby World Cup in September.
Joe Pincus will make his debut at fullback. In the Rebels' final trial, he scored a first-half brace of tries against the Brumbies.
