James O'Connor reveals pact made after Rebels' Durban trouncing a key to form revival

JAMES O'Connor says a pact made after the horror loss to the Sharks in Durban may be behind the Rebels' recent impressive form surge.

James O'Connor

JAMES O'Connor has revealed a pact struck by Melbourne players after the horror loss to the Sharks in Durban in March is one of the factors behind the Rebels' impressive form surge.

The Wallaby flyhalf said the record 64-7 defeat to the Sharks led to a vow between players that the debacle never be repeated.

"We had a team chat after that Sharks game and said we're never going to get beaten like this again - we're going to put it all on the line," O'Connor said.

"I think it's been a massive squad effort, if you look at all the injuries as well.

"Everyone's been on the same page. Our structures have held pretty well so we're hoping this is the start of something big."

Melbourne faces the NSW Waratahs at AAMI Park on Friday in what looms as a blockbuster for both clubs.

Not only will the Rebels attempt to win the Weary Dunlop Shield for the first time in six matches, but the Waratahs will also look to consolidate growing finals hopes.

NSW is in rich form, having beaten the Brumbies, Stormers and Kings to be sitting eighth on the Super Rugby championship.

Hill builds for uncertain future

Melbourne has never beaten the Waratahs, failing by only five points in Sydney in March after leading by 10 at half-time.

O'Connor is confident Melbourne can stretch NSW, despite being without Kurtley Beale, Richard Kingi and Angus Roberts.

"They (NSW) had a great game against the Brumbies on the weekend but I think we're playing pretty consistently and we've got a good game plan that we're sticking to," O'Connor said.

"We've got a very positive mindset and we're looking forward to hopefully getting our first win against the Waratahs.

"It's going to be a massive match for us."

O'Connor up for No.10 role

In a further boost for Melbourne, the club has revealed it has recruited Toby Smith from the Chiefs.

The Australian-born front-rower has signed until the end of the 2016 season and will be eligible to represent Australia despite playing for New Zealand in the 2008 junior world championship.

"To have a championship player like Toby committing to the Rebels is a great sign of where this young organisation is heading," Rebels general manager of rugby Sam Cordingley said.

"We are already seeing the fruits of some of our young players developing from this Rebels rugby program.

"At 24, Toby brings with him not only a great deal of experience at a young age, but also some impressive form from this Super Rugby season and last season's ITM Cup."

Smith said he could "see the Rebels are building a very competitive rugby team, with a good mix of youth and experience".

"I am also looking forward to pressing my claims toward playing Test rugby in the future, and taking advantage of my Australian eligibility," he said.