Scott Higginbotham set to become third Melbourne Rebels captain with Gareth ... - Herald Sun

Scott Higginbotham is poised to become the Rebels' third captain this season. Source: Getty Images

WALLABY Scott Higginbotham is poised to become Melbourne's third captain this season after Rebels' leader Gareth Delve failed to take part in full training yesterday.

Higginbotham, winner of the 2011 Super Rugby championship with the Queensland Reds, is viewed as a possible long-term successor to Delve.

Delve has several areas of soreness after a brutal two-game tour of South Africa, which iincluded punishing outings against the Sharks and Cheetahs.

The Welsham is one of two injury casualties from the controversial trip.

Versatile back Lachlan Mitchell was unable to train yesterday and is still nursing a badly corked left leg.

Test back rower Higginbotham's ability to communicate at the breakdown - and proximity to the referee at No 8 - are likely to see him take over from Delve for Saturday's clash with the Western Force.

James O'Connor, who led the team impressively in two matches this season when Delve had a shoulder issues - is another contender for captaincy duties.

Winger Cooper Vuna, banished from South Africa for fighting with exiled team-mate Kurtley Beale, will start off the bench.

Fellow back Tom English also appears in line for a role as a reserve.

Based on training drills, the Rebels will leave O'Connor at fullback with Angus Roberts at five-eighth.

Richard Kingi and Jason Woodward had wing duties at practice, while former Force pair Mitch Inman and Rory Sidey were in the centres.

Roberts and Nick Phipps will combine at the scrumbase.

The forwards have been shuffled because of Delve's injury.

Nic Henderson, Ged Robinson and impressive newcomer Paul Alo-Emile will start in the front row.

Regular No 3 Laurie Weeks suffered a gashed cheekbone in a shuddering head clash against the Cheetahs and is bound to be on the bench.

Wallaby aspirants Hugh Pyle and Cadeyrn Neville are the locks, allowing Luke Jones to remain at No 6 with Scott Fuglistaller at No 7.

Weeks, hooker Shota Horie, flankers Jarrod Saffy and Jordy Reid are the feplacement forwards.

And Vuna, desperate to impact in dry conditions at nib Stadium, halfback Nic Stirzaker and Engish will provide support for the run-on backs.

Melbourne holds a 4-1 edge over the Force, but Michael Foley's team has improved markedly since losing to the Rebels in the opening round.