“I think it’s still up in the air at the moment but I’m sure he would like to tell you he is ready to go, we will have to wait until the team is announced.”

Genia was spotted working on his passing after training on Monday with his knee taped up but moving well. He has also removed the blond colouring he added to his hair in recent weeks, which could also be a sign he is back to business.

If Genia can’t play then halfback then Michael Ruru will remain in the role and his performances have grown by the week.

The Rebels are locked in a battle with New South Wales Waratahs for top spot in the Australian conference and a guaranteed finals place.

The Waratahs hold a one-point lead and while the Rebels have struggled in New Zealand for several years, the Blues have been the worst-performed New Zealand side this season despite beating the Waratahs in Sydney in early May.

“Any NZ team is a big challenge but the boys are definitely up for it,” Philip said.

Loading

While the Rebels won their second-straight game with a 40-13 win over Tokyo Sunwolves on Friday night, the Waratahs almost took a bonus point from their loss to the Chiefs in Waikato on Saturday night until the Chiefs scored a try on the last play of the night to push the scoreline out to 39-27.

Philip said his side wouldn’t be too focused on how the Waratahs were going and he wanted to see the side take some points from the Blues game.

Super Rugby will pause after this weekend for the June test break and a number of Rebels are in contention for places in the Wallabies squad.

But Philip said his side wouldn't be distracted.

“The only thing you can do is play your best footy for the selectors on the weekend and put your best foot forward there,” Philip said.

“You need to play your best for Melbourne Rebels and not be worried about the other stuff going on.”

The Rebels play the Blues in Auckland on Saturday at 3.15pm.