Melbourne Rebels ready to make history with win over NSW Waratahs

FRESH from Super Rugby success against the Stormers, Melbourne Rebels tonight face a new Everest as they bid to beat NSW for the first time.

James Hilgendorf

FRESH from watershed Super Rugby success against Cape Town's Stormers, Melbourne Rebels tonight face a new Everest as they bid to beat New South Wales for the first time.

The Waratahs, crammed with an exciting blend of established and emerging talents, have won their past three matches.

And with a top-six berth hinging on the remaining four rounds, NSW will be desperate to extend its dominance of five wins against the Rebels in three seasons at AAMI Park tonight.

Rebels coach Damien Hill, again without Wallabies Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor and Cooper Vuna, has challenged his side to build on its recent strong form.

"Beating our first South African team last week, the guys are confident, they're fit and it's going to come down to execution and mindset on the day," Hill said. "The general mood in the team is very confident. They can see where we're going, where we've come this season - and hopefully we're we'll go over the next four weeks.

"All of the local derbies, there's something (extra) in it. There's always a bit more feeling."

NSW's talent pool includes Benn Robinson, Dave Dennis, Berrick Barnes, Wycliff Palu, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas, Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley, Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Israel Folau.

Not surprisingly, Hill is treating the 'Tahs with plenty of respect.

"They're playing really well," he said. "Compared to where they were at the start of the season, they're one of the form teams.

"I think both teams have improved over the length of the competition and the challenge for this team is to back up the performance against the Stormers and go one step better."

Hill has added utility James Hilgendorf to the bench as cover for flyhalf Bryce Hegarty.

Hilgendorf left the Rebels at the end of last season but has maintained contact while playing with Sydney club Eastwood.

"We needed some support in that decision-making area," Hill said of Hilgendorf, 31. "He brings a lot of experience with him."

Hill expects the pressure for places to intensify with the likely return next week of O'Connor for the game against Queensland Reds in Brisbane. Beale may also be back.

"He's been left alone to go through the processes he's going through. I look forward to hearing something, hopefully next week," Hill said.