MELBOURNE--- The Melbourne Rebels are enjoying the best run of form in their five years in Super Rugby and with a trip to the struggling Queensland Reds coming up next, few would bet against it continuing.
The impressive 42-22 win over the Auckland Blues in Melbourne on Friday was their sixth of the year and means the 2015 Rebels are assured of posting the club's best ever Super Rugby season with five matches still to play.
Just three points behind Australian Conference leaders ACT Brumbies, Tony McGahan's side are even in with a shout of a maiden playoff appearance.
With big name backline signings like James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale to the fore, the Rebels have always been able to spring the odd surprise but never before have they put together such a sustained period of competitiveness.
The marquee names have gone this year and the success has been built on team spirit, a 15-man effort and a combative pack led by captain Scott Higginbotham.
One sign of the cohesiveness of the side was that, going into the Blues clash, the Rebels led Super Rugby in the percentage of their tries scored after seven or more phases.
The back row of Higginbotham, dreadlocked openside flanker Jordy Reid and young gun blindside Colby Faingaa was outstanding against the Blues, which was all the more impressive when you considered their recent run of opponents.
REUTERS
