Rebels determined not to be carried away by pre-season form as they prepare to face Cheetahs

TOBY Smith has warned his Melbourne Rebels teammates to not get carried away with pre-season form before their opener against the Cheetahs.

Melbourne Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham wears a stray elbow at training. Picture: Ellen Smith

RECRUIT Toby Smith has warned his Melbourne Rebels teammates to not get carried away with pre-season form before Friday night’s opener against the Cheetahs.

The Rebels won all three of their trials games with strong victories over the NSW Waratahs, the Queensland Reds and the Hurricanes.

But Smith — one of just two Rebels players to have played in a Super Rugby title — said it would count for little at AAMI Park on Friday night against a battle hardened Cheetahs outfit.

“That now means nothing going into this week,” Smith said.

“There’s no point on the board yet.

“We’ve taken our leanings from those games and very much looking for a win on Friday,”

Melbourne will face a Cheetahs side that has already played two games this season.

The South African team lost its opener to the Lions by a point before backing up to beat the Bulls at the weekend.

Smith — a 116kg prop — said he was wary of their big forward pack.

“They are a really good team and it’ll be a huge game for us,” he said.

“They know how to win games and they’ve shown that.

“We’re going to have to muscle upfront.

“They’ve got some big lads and it’s going to start there on Friday night.”

Melbourne’s players have spoken non-stop this summer about the club’s renewed commitment towards becoming a strong defensive side.

All at the club are aware that Friday night is the first real opportunity to make a statement in this area.

Smith said it was a test they needed.

“Our defence has been a focus of the pre-season,” Smith said.

“And we know they (the Cheetahs) like to attack and they have got threats all over the park.

“That’s going to be a big factor.”

Smith has joined Melbourne from the Chiefs, where he won two Super Rugby titles, including last season.

The 25-year-old knows all about winning culture and said he believed all the tools were there for Melbourne to be a successful club.

“I’m really enjoying it here — it is a very professional environment,” he said.

“I find there is a lot of attention to detail with the coaches and a lot of one on one meetings.

“Learning my role has been a good transition.

“I think there is a great set up here to provide a winning culture and hopefully that will show on the field.”

Smith — who has 37 Super Rugby caps to his name — said he wanted to help Melbourne become a benchmark of the competition.

“I definitely try and speak up when I can with my origin,” he said.