Melbourne Rebels flanker Michael Lipman will make a timely return from his long lay-off when he goes head-to-head with Richie McCaw in Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders.

Former England international Lipman makes his first appearance of 2012 at AAMI Park after overcoming his serious back injury to replace the suspended Luke Jones in the Rebels back-row.

A stand-out in the Rebels’ debut season, the 32-year-old’s return is also crucial with Melbourne fellow flankers Tom Chamberlain (head knock) and Jarrod Saffy (neck) sidelined.

“He’s a really important player for us this week against the Crusaders captain,” Rebels coach Damien Hill said.

All Blacks skipper McCaw will also have his first run-on start in 2012 after working his way back from foot surgery off the bench in the Crusaders’ wins over NSW and Queensland.

Lipman is just one of two changes to the Rebels line-up with utility back Richard Kingi forced out due to a minor hamstring strain, opening the way for young halfback Nic Stirzaker a potential debut off the bench.

Veteran fullback Julian Huxley (back) returns to the No.15 jersey following an 11th-hour withdrawal before last week’s 41-35 loss to the second-placed Bulls.

Club captain Stirling Mortlock remains on the bench for his second game of the year.

Rebels: Julian Huxley, Mark Gerrard, Mitch Inman, Lachlan Mitchell, Cooper Vuna, Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Tim Davidson, Hugh Pyle, Cadeyrn Neville, Rodney Blake, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson. Res: Adam Freier, Jono Owen, Al Campbell, Ryan Hodson, Nic Stirzaker, James Hilgendorf, Stirling Mortlock.