The Rebels know they will come unstuck if they try to match the free-flowing Hurricanes in their Super Rugby clash at AAMI Park on Friday night.
While ranked seventh on the overall ladder, the Hurricanes have scored more points than any other side – 297, including 34 tries.
Attack has not been Melbourne’s strength this season – they have scored 185 points with 16 tries to sit above only the second last-placed Stormers.
But in a massive turnaround on previous seasons, according to SANZAR statistics, the Rebels are second in the tackle success percentage, making 88.2 per cent.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said their defence would have to be at its best to stop the Hurricanes, who will be disappointed to have given up a 24-7 lead to lose to the Waratahs last round.
“They’ve got a really strong pack, strong set-piece, are excellent in the back row and carry, and individually all their players in the back line can attack from anywhere, so we’ve got a big job to do defensively,” he said.
The Rebels have lost halfback Nic Stirzaker, who has shared the starting role with Luke Burgess. Ben Meehan will take his place on the bench, with Stirzaker sidelined due to an ankle injury.
McGahan said Burgess and five-eighth Bryce Hegarty needed to stay composed and not overplay their hand.
“You need to be make sure you don’t get caught in the trick of trying to play like them (the Hurricanes),” he said.
“They love that that ad lib rugby and certainly unstructured works for them.
“We need to make sure we have plenty of control of how and when we give the ball to them.”
The Rebels have made one other change to the squad – Pat Leafa takes over the No.2 jersey of Shota Horie.
Prop Toby Smith is still sidelined with a shoulder complaint, giving Cruze Ah-Nau his second Super Rugby start.
Rebels: Jason Woodward, Male Sau, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Bryce Hegarty, Luke Burgess, Scott Higginbotham (capt), Scott Fuglistaller, Colby Fainga’a, Luke Jones, Cadeyrn Neville, Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah-Nau. Res: Shota Horie, Max Lahiff, Paul Alo-Emilie, Hugh Pyle, Sean McMahon, Ben Meehan, Tom Kingston, Angus Roberts.