Rebels' performance to go on trial in testing warm-up games against Hurricanes, Reds

MELBOURNE coach Tony McGahan will start a tapering phase as the Rebels build towards the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Rebels scrumhalf Luke Burgess awaits the ball to come out of a maul against the Waratahs last week.

MELBOURNE coach Tony McGahan this week starts a challenging tapering phase as the Rebels build towards the 2014 Super Rugby season with a trial against the Hurricanes in Geelong on Saturday night.

The Rebels have a first-round bye, meaning trials with the Hurricanes and Reds over the next two weeks are critical to the club's preparation for its first Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs at AAMI Park on February 28.

McGahan fielded more than 30 players in a 33-28 win over the NSW Waratahs in 42 degree conditions at Albury Sports Ground last week, but more match time will be pumped into first XV contenders this week.

Rebels scrumhalf Luke Burgess awaits the ball to come out of a maul against the Waratahs last week.

With playmaker Nic Stirzaker ruled out for up to 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury, McGahan will continue to monitor the performances of Wallaby Luke Burgess and Ben Meehan at scrumhalf.

Also unable to call on locks Cadeyrn Neville and Chris Thomson and flyhalf Jack Debreczeni, McGahan's selection is likely to hint heavily at the 23 to be chosen for the Cheetahs.

"As of this week and next, it's important that we start to gather some more playing time for the 15 that will run out there in Super Rugby," McGahan told Reb TV.

McGahan was buoyed by Melbourne's victory over NSW in extreme conditions, praising the work of off-field staff.

"(Head of athletic performance) Bryce (Cavanagh) and Zane (Leonard) both did a terrific job. For guys to get through the heat and continue to play was very pleasing." he said.

Rebels winger Telusa Veainu leaves Waratahs backrower Wycliff Palu in his wake in making a break.

"The boys had plenty more left in them, and will get another good hit-out this weekend.

"We had some really good parts, and some rough parts, as you can imagine.

"Generally, we were pretty pleased with what we delivered, but we've got lots to work on and the players understand that."

The Rebels ran in five tries to NSW's four in Albury, but McGahan's instinctive tactical leaning is defence-based,

The Hurricanes posted a 38-35 trial win over the Blues at the weekend and are likely to travel to Geelong with a squad containing nine All Blacks.

Rebels lock Hugh Pyle attempts to bust a tackle from a Waratah defender.

Forward Hugh Pyle, one of four foundation Rebels still at the club, was elated by Melbourne's breakthrough trial victory.

"It was an awesome way to start the season, winning a big trial against a Super Rugby team who are looking to do well this season," Pyle said.

"It was hot, I was lucky to only have to play 40 minutes. A few boys played 70 minutes, and looked like dry fruit afterwards

"We did a heavy training session pre-Christmas down in Geelong, and it was a bit hotter than it was on Saturday. Zane Leonard and Bryce Cavanagh have done a great job in getting us ready for the heat."