.After beating Edinburgh in their tournament opener, the west country club conceded three early tries against the Top 14 newcomers at Stade de la Rabine.
In just a few days another season of the Top 14 kicks off with the likes of Owen Farrell, Siya Kolisi, Josua Tuisova, and Davit Niniashvili making the numbers of the overseas players ready to make the headlines and wrestle for the title.
With Will Genia set for a post-World Cup switch to Japan, the Rebels have secured the signature of a Fijian scrum-half as they plan for 2020's Super Rugby season.
Melbourne have reinstalled their premier halves pairing Will Genia and Quade Cooper but have two Wallabies omissions for their must-win Super Rugby match against the Chiefs.
Melbourne Rebels vice-captain Sam Talakai says his Super Rugby side didn't skip a beat when told star halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper weren't starting against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
Melbourne have a new halves combination for their crunch Super Rugby match with the Crusaders on Saturday, with Australian Test star Will Genia being rested and Quade Cooper named on the bench.
Melbourne Rebels halfback Will Genia has recovered from a head knock to face the Waratahs in their Super Rugby crunch match at AAMI Park on Friday night. The news isn't so good for the Waratahs, however.
Melbourne's big Super Rugby win over the Sunwolves has come at a cost with Test halfback Will Genia knocked out.
He's had a long time out from the game, but this Wallaby hooker is finally on track to push for World Cup selection.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels playmaker Quade Cooper has been cleared to face the Bulls on Friday night while Matt Toomua has been named on the bench for the Super Rugby clash.
