The Melbourne Rebels are confident they have the game plan to put a large dent in the Brumbies' Super Rugby finals ambitions in their clash on Saturday.
The Rebels are hoping it's a case of history repeating itself in the Canberra Stadium match.
Back in round six, they were soundly beaten by the NSW Waratahs but bounced back in the next match to upset the Brumbies 32-24.
"We think we had a good game plan against the Brumbies last time so we think we've got a bit of a blueprint there to follow," said assistant coach Sean Hedger.
"We are definitely taking some confidence into the game."
While the Rebels were outclassed by the Australian conference-leading Waratahs, the Brumbies dropped their past two games in South Africa to fall outside the top six and put their finals hopes at risk.
"We think after their last couple of performances, which were poor results by their standards, we can take a bit out of that."
But Hedger, who is set to coach Melbourne's National Rugby Championship team, said that didn't mean it would be easy.
"Their season's on the line and they're at home which will give them great confidence.
"They're a very dangerous beast because they need the win."
Hedger said impressive young flanker Colby Fainga'a, playing his first game back in Canberra where he started his Super Rugby career, would be key to the Rebels' rebound.
"He would easily have been in our top three players in the last three games," Hedger said.
"He's taking his game to higher levels all the time and we expect that to carry on."
Melbourne have lost flanker Sean McMahon to Australian under 20s duties but will regain Japanese international hooker Shota Horie and winger Male Sau, who were badly missed against NSW.
Jordy Reid will take McMahon's place on the bench while prop Laurie Weeks is likely to return from an ankle injury.
Share
