Rest and reward are behind the decision to hand Reece Hodge the five-eighth jersey for the Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby clash with the Sunwolves.

Hodge will start as chief playmaker for the first time after impressing coach Dave Wessels when he shifted to the position during their tight win over the Brumbies.

Wessels says the 23-year-old has earned the start but he also wants to give Jack Debreczeni a rest after starting every other game this season.

Debreczeni has been told to take mini-break to freshen up as they push for a maiden finals berth.

“Jack is one of only two players to have started every game for us and he’s played almost every minute too,” Wessels said on Thursday.

“It’s also a reward for Reece when he did move into that position.

“He brings a nice physical presence to us, particularly in defence in that role and also a fair bit of experience.”

The match is the final audition of Wallabies contenders, with the squad to be named next week for next month’s three-Test series against Six Nations champions Ireland.

With no outstanding contender to play No.10 behind Bernard Foley, Hodge can put his hand up after a strong showing.

While the Tokyo-based side have won their past two games, only five-eighth Hayden Parker remains in the same position from last round, with 14 changes to the line-up.

The team have lost many of their top Japanese players, who remained at home to start preparations for the June internationals, giving Melbourne the perfect opportunity to try to peg back Australian conference leaders the NSW Waratahs.

The Rebels trounced them by 20 points back in round four but Wessels said they wouldn’t take their opponents lightly.

“They don’t have a lot to lose, which makes it a very dangerous game,” he said.

“They play the type of football that supports a good attacking style that can cause us real trouble if we’re not on.”