Rugby: Fainga'a keen to prove value to Rebels teammates

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Melbourne Rebel Colby Fainga'a has a point to prove when he faces his former Brumbies teammates in their Super Rugby clash tonight.

But the point isn't to the Brumbies but rather to the Rebels, with Fainga'a hoping to prove his value as a starting player in the AAMI Park match.

The 22-year-old has replaced blindside flanker Sean McMahon in the line-up, while former Wallaby halfback Luke Burgess has been benched among the six changes.

Nic Stirzaker replaces Burgess after recovering from an ankle problem, with coach Tony McGahan seeking fresh attacking impetus for his struggling side against a Brumbies side topping the Australian conference.

"I'm just trying to play good rugby and I've been in and out of the starting team," Fainga'a said.

"I'm not trying to prove anything to the Brumbies, I'm trying to prove my worth to the Rebels and keep my spot." Fainga'a, the younger brother of Reds and Wallabies twins Saia and Anthony, said he couldn't see a huge difference in the Brumbies' play since the departure of coach Jake White.

"Their core skills are still very similar; they're just a clinical team."

The Rebels are looking to end a run of three losses, with skipper Scott Higginbotham saying his team knew they could do better.