Melbourne Rebels has squad to reach Super Rugby finals, says George Gregan

FORMER Wallabies skipper George Gregan believes the Melbourne Rebels will be “knocking on the door” to make the Super Rugby finals for the first time.

Melbourne Rebels v. Samoa trial match at AAMI Park.

FORMER Wallabies skipper George Gregan believes the Melbourne Rebels will be “knocking on the door” in their quest to make the Super Rugby finals for the first time.

The Rebels head into the new season nicely settled, buoyed by low off-season turnover and handy acquisitions.

Gregan, Australia’s most capped Wallaby, said there was plenty to like about the Rebels’ squad, in particular its forward pack, which boasts the likes of Sean McMahon, Adam Thomson and Scott Fuglistaller.

“I think they’ve got a good squad and the depth in their backrow really jumps out at you,” he said.

“There is fierce competition there and, as we saw during the World Cup, breakdowns are a really important area and they’ve got some wonderful players in their backrow to compete hard there.

“They’ve got a really good midfield and some good finishers in the back three.”

Melbourne won a club-best seven games last season and lost five by five points or less. While coach Tony McGahan said the first priority was to match those seven wins, Gregan said the platform was there to take the next step.

“I think they have potential; they have kept the bulk of the squad and made some inspired new additions,” he said.

“A team is always evolving and progressing, but I think this is a year they can really be knocking on the door.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 09: Nic Stirzaker of the Rebels poses during a Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby media opportunity on the Yarra River on December 9, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. Stirzaker has just signed a two year contract extension to play with the Melbourne rebels until the end of the 2017 season. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

“I’m sure they’d to love to finish on top of the conference, but just giving themselves a chance to be in the first week of the finals and getting through those last rounds and playing in that next level is what it is all about.

“Once you get there it is anyone’s game, so the platform is there for them to deliver.”

Gregan, a former scrumhalf star, gave his tick of approval to Stirzaker, who is tipped by many to be a future Wallaby.

“I think Nic Stirzaker is also an inspired choice as captain,” he said.

“I just think he is a guy that likes to compete and he wants to improve. You can see he works really hard on his game, and that shows in the game and also off the ball, which I like about him.”