The Melbourne Rebels are out to knock over Super Rugby heavy-weights the Crusaders when they clash at AAMI Park, with Kurtley Beale again key.

Wallabies star Kurtley Beale is thriving under the pressure that comes with being the Melbourne playmaker according to Rebels coach Damien Hill.

Beale will make his second start in the No.10 jersey against Super Rugby heavyweights the Crusaders at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

According to Hill the 23-year-old Test fullback appears to relish the extra work-load at five-eighth, and is fast becoming the front-runner to start there in the upcoming Wallabies Tests.

"He stood up remarkably last week and he's stepped up again this week in terms of training," Hill said ahead of their final training session on Friday.

"He did a tremendous job last week and these guys really played for him.

"I don't think it's affected him at all, if anything it's given him extra motivation."

The Rebels are looking to replicate their strong performance in last round's clash with the Bulls, albeit with a winning result.

Hill said the team faced pressure from taking on one of the form teams in the competition, with All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw back from injury in the starting side.

There was also an internal pressure.

"There's probably the added pressure that comes after a good performance without a win.

"The pressure is on ourselves to make sure we don't falter and we build on last week."

Melbourne skipper Stirling Mortlock said he pulled up well after playing 25 minutes off the bench after finally recovering from a calf injury.

The Crusaders are starting All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg on the bench but have plenty of other danger men including in-form centre Robbie Fruean and Test five-eighth Dan Carter.

"The reality is the Crusaders a such a quality team, there's people you need to look out for right across the pitch and even their bench players," Mortlock said.

"It's very hard to pin-point one or two guys that you have to nullify cause they can hurt you from anywhere.

"Defensively we've really got to really work well as a unit."