Rebel yell: Tom English sets out case for defense to shore up Melbourne's weakness

"RAZZLE dazzle" rugby is set to take a back seat to a strong defensive mindset this season at the Rebels.

Tom English has his ankle strapped at Melbourne Rebels training ahead of Saturday's Waratahs trial.

MELBOURNE Rebels centre Tom English says "razzle dazzle" rugby will take a backwards seat to make way for a strong defensive mindset this season inspired by new coach Tony McGahan.

The Rebels have always possessed strong attacking flair, but the defensive side has long been a weakness.

English vowed those days were over.

"Tony (McGahan) has pushed us a lot harder than I think we have been in the past," he said.

"We've moved in a new direction where we are a very defensive-orientated team, so we've been working hard on our contacts and our breakdowns.

"We're really looking forward to getting in to it."

The new philosophy may not be earth shattering, but it is a key focus for Melbourne given its history of giving up cheap points to opposition sides.

English said it would work if every player committed to it.

News_Rich_Media: Super Rugby referees have backed the changes set to be implemented this season in order to improve the flow of the game and bring fans closer to the game.

"We want it to be our point of difference," English said.

"We're going to hurt sides by looking to turnover ball and make them really earn points."

But that's not to say the Rebels won't still be a strong attacking side this season.

"There is still going to be some of that razzle dazzle, but we are going to earn that off the back of our hard work," English said.

"We're not going to be throwing 50-50's all the time.

"We will be a hard working team.

"Still expect it (razzle dazzle), but I think you'll see the best of both worlds."

On field, Melbourne has improved in each of its four seasons.

But its record of 5-11 last season still left a lot to be desired.

News_Image_File: Newly appointed Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan directs traffic at training at AMMI Park.

McGahan said a spike at the defensive end should translate to more wins this season.

"It's certainly an area we have identified that there is scope for improvement," he said.

"We feel if we can get good improvement there, we are going to turn a lot of those close defeats into victories."

The Rebels get an opportunity to hone its defensive skills in its first trail for the year against NSW Waratahs at Albury on Saturday.

It is set to be Melbourne's key focus as it prepares for next month's season-opener against the Cheetahs at AAMI Park.

"We've got the players to attack and defence is a mindset," English said.

"So we need to want to work for each other.

"It's more of a mateship thing and hopefully the results will come."