Near enough isn’t good enough anymore for Cadeyrn Neville and Melbourne Rebels

CADEYRN Neville says it is no longer acceptable for the Rebels to be merely competitive — winning is now an imperative.

Melbourne lock Cadeyrn Neville says the Rebels have to be more clinical in closing out matches.

IN-FORM Melbourne forward Cadeyrn Neville says it is no longer acceptable for the Rebels to be merely competitive — winning is now an imperative.

Melbourne sits 11th overall with three wins from nine matches after suffering four narrow, bonus-point defeats.

While Rebels’ supporters ponder what might have been, Neville says the players understand clearly how much they have improved.

“We’ve known that for most of the season really, after the good trial form and then beating the Brumbies as well and coming quite close to both the teams in New Zealand,” he said.

“They were disappointing losses (Highlanders and Chiefs) as well.

“We really need to push on and start getting the results now.”

News_Image_File: Cadeyrn Neville is wrapped up with the ball by Willem Alberts in the Rebels-Sharks match.

Melbourne faces the mercurial Wellington Hurricanes at AAMI Park on Friday night after last week falling to a 22-16 loss to the table-topping Sharks.

As with the close defeats to the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs, Melbourne hurt its chances with shoddy execution.

The review of the exasperating Sharks’ near miss centred on a familiar theme.

“Costly errors, especially after first and second phase off good set-piece — which is quite valuable against teams like the Sharks — probably let us down,” Neville said.

“Not massive in the scheme of at the time but if you look over the game to what it came down to it cost us quite a lot in the end, I would say.”

News_Rich_Media: Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan addresses the press following his side’s loss to the Sharks.

The Hurricanes blew a 24-7 lead in a 39-30 fade out against NSW and will venture to The Stockade determined to atone.

Neville said the Rebels were preparing for a multifaceted onslaught.

“They (Hurricanes) certainly can bring a lot of surprises,” he said.

“They’re a team that we have to be aware. They have a lot of flair in attack and a lot of threats in defence from them as well.

“They’re dangerous at both ends of the field.”

Restored to the starting 15 after injury in the pre-season and uncertain form, Neville has blossomed in the past two matches.

News_Image_File: Neville pokes his head above a rolling maul as the Rebels look to test the Sharks pack.

The Wallaby tourist is hoping for more of the same against the ‘Canes.

“I was very lucky to get another chance and I’ve just been trying to make the most of that,” he said.

“Unfortunately coming into the trials, I had the hamstring injury and ‘Pyley’ (Hugh Pyle) and ‘Jonesey’ (Luke Jones) both had good form as well so it was really hard to start getting time from them.

“And I probably didn’t make the best of the small opportunities I was getting.

“To get the chance to play whole games — which is where I play my best — is quite fortunate.”