Delighted with their opening Super Rugby performance, the Melbourne Rebels are focused on making winning a habit as they prepare to face the struggling Western Force.

In their first game under new coach Tony McGahan the Rebels stunned last year’s semi-finalists the Cheetahs 35-14 but it was the style of the victory that was most impressive.

The biggest win in their three-year history was built on fierce defence – long a weakness – while they looked a constant threat in attack.

Prop Laurie Weeks said it had been satisfying to see all their hard work through the pre-season come to fruition.

He said the consistency in the performance – even when they lost flanker Scott Fuglistaller to a yellow card early in the second half when the Cheetahs upped the attacking ante – had been the biggest positive.

But it wouldn’t count for much if they couldn’t back it up against the Force, last beaten by the Brumbies, in Perth on Saturday night.

“We always have really close games with the Force with only a few points the difference and we don’t expect it to be any different this time around,” Weeks said.

“They won’t be happy with their start to the season so it’s going to be tough in Perth.”

He said “winning” had been a pre-season focus under McGahan – resulting in three scalps.

“In the past we’ve struggled to close out games so we really needed to start learning how to win and make it a habit,” Weeks said.

The Rebels only managed five victories last season but two of those came against the Force; taking both their games by a 30-23 margin.

They have only lost once in their total of six meetings, back in 2011.

Early in his career while at the Reds, Weeks was regularly mentioned as a future Wallaby but hasn’t managed to take the next step.

The 27-year-old said it was still a driving ambition.

“Of course I’d love to play for the Wallabies but I can only worry about the Rebels and doing my job for them.”

The Rebels came through the Cheetahs match unscathed and will have a full squad available to take on the Force.