Melbourne Rebels halfback Will Genia has recovered from a head knock to face the NSW Waratahs in their Super Rugby crunch match at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Genia was knocked out last round against the Sunwolves but has passed concussion protocol to take his place in the line-up.

The Rebels are looking to stay in touch with Super Rugby conference leaders, the Brumbies, with the finals looming, while the Waratahs’ season is on the line.

Rebels: Dane Haylett-Petty (capt), Jack Maddocks, Reece Hodge, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Isi Naisarani, Richard Hardwick, Luke Jones, Adam Coleman, Matt Philip, Jermaine Ainsley, Anaru Rangi, Tetera Faulkner Res: Hugh Roach, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Ross Haylett-Petty, Angus Cottrell, Michael Ruru, Billy Meakes, Tom English.