80 minutes stands between Melbourne Rebels and history

A week after suffering the most humiliating defeat in the club’s history, Melbourne Rebels have the chance to write themselves into Super Rugby folklore.

Melbourne have the chance to make their maiden Super Rugby finals series. Picture: Getty

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A Friday night win over the Chiefs would propel the Melbourne Rebels in to the Super Rugby finals for the first time and could set up an all-Australian quarter-final.

Despite a 66-0 thrashing from the Crusaders on Saturday, which underlined the gap between the Rebels and Super Rugby’s best team, the door remains well and truly open for the Melbourne outfit to make the playoffs.

Every one of the final seven matches this weekend will determine the make up of the final eight and the Rebels could finish as high as sixth with a win.

The Brumbies, already guaranteed top spot in the Australian conference, are likely to stay in third spot, which could mean a quarter-final clash with the Rebels.

Melbourne have the chance to make their maiden Super Rugby finals series. Picture: Getty

Alternatively the Rebels could be headed to Argentina to face the Jaguares, but the permutations of the final round, and the availability of bonus points, makes for any number of scenarios.

The Rebels however have a simple goal - win, create club history, then worry about whoever they face next.

Coach Dave Wessels is certain to load up with his best possible starting 15 for Friday’s showdown with the Chiefs and reinsert star halfback Will Genia and fly half Quade Cooper.

Genia was rested last weekend while Cooper only came on late in a match which was as much about the might of the home team as the defensive ineptitude of the Rebels.

A shoulder injury to former captain Adam Coleman added to the misery of the defeat but the 200cm lock, who aggravated a past issue, remains a chance to play against the Chiefs.