Still very much a work in progress, the Rebels are determined defence won’t be their biggest weakness in this year’s Super Rugby competition.

In their debut season Melbourne had 570 points including 74 tries, scored against them; almost 100 more than the next team, the Lions.

Under the tutelage of defence guru John Muggleton, their hard work looks to be paying off with a strong showing in their trial against the Blues.

The faster line speed and desire to tackle were a notable improvement on last year.

“It’s always a big project when you have to change bad habits and we still saw them come back in the second half with some of the younger blokes,” Muggleton said after Melbourne surrendered a 18-7 halftime lead to lose 31-21.

Muggleton, who was defence coach for the Wallabies at the 1999 World Cup where their tryline was crossed only once, said league convert Cooper Vuna was a standout.

“I was really happy with how some of the bloke have changed their game, particularly Cooper on the wing, he was outstanding.

“He was making decisions; he got caught in no-man’s land a lot last year.

“He can tackle, he just needs to have the confidence to make the decision and go in and do it.

“He did that with a devastating effect at times.”

Muggleton said Vuna was now defending like a rugby rather than league player who was going high and trying to wrestle.

“I just want him to use his shoulder and knock them over.”

Another of the team’s biggest turnstiles Danny Cipriani made most of his tackles against the Blues, including a try-saving effort in the first half.

“He went out there with good intent,” Muggleton said.

“It was a good start.”