Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan says his team can look to their next Super Rugby opponents, the unbeaten Hurricanes, for a blue-print on how to close out tight games.
The Rebels take on the competition leaders on Friday night in Wellington still stewing about their 20-16 loss last-round to the Lions.
Melbourne had many chances to put the Lions away but allowed the South Africans to score a late try to steal the match.
McGahan said the improved Hurricanes had now found a way to win from any position - something the Rebels were still to master with only two wins from five tight games.
"The Hurricanes have played some close games but have been good enough to find their way to the end of the line," McGahan said.
"I think the big thing is they are playing with a huge amount of confidence in their attack and their defence has improved.
"They have been together for a little while now and are on the same page which does take time."
The Rebels are a much more competitive outfit from the team that collected the Super Rugby wooden spoon last season.
McGahan said the final polish for his young side would take time.
"We've come on a really steep improvement curve this year and this last little part in closing out these games which are under our control and really enforcing ourselves is the hardest part.
"It takes time, it's not learnt from a text book or doing drills on the field."
The coach said that the Lion loss could be put down to some poor individual decisions at key times; coming out of the line or turning the ball over in attack.
He wouldn't be drawn on whether that meant line-up changes however there would be one with injury to in-form winger Dom Shipperley.
The former Red has undergone hand surgery after fracturing it against the Lions and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Ex-Waratah Cam Crawford, fullback Jonah Placid, Telusa Veainu and Sefanaia Naivalu are among the replacement contenders.
"Dom's a big loss as he's been absolutely terrific on and off the field," McGahan said.
"He's clearly had a really good season so far but it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up."
Meanwhile, Rebels playmaker Jack Debreczeni is available for selection after overcoming with a minor knee complaint.
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