There was no back-slapping going on as the Melbourne Rebels huddled together in the middle of AAMI Park following their Super Rugby round-one win over the Western Force.
Instead, a strong message from skipper Gareth Delve and Wallabies five-eighth Kurtley Beale that they needed to do better.
The Rebels posted their first-ever opening round victory with a 30-23 win over the Force, scrambling from a shaky start when they trailed 11-0.
The return from injury of star back James O’Connor and the work of the tight five, particularly Laurie Weeks in his comeback from shoulder surgery, were two of the highlights but the Rebels were well aware that they will need to improve to beat the Brumbies in Melbourne next Friday night.
“What we spoke about is that we weren’t particularly happy with the performance but we’re proud of the effort that was put in,” said Delve.
“It wasn’t particularly pretty but I think we ground out that win and showed a lot of character.”
Delve said the fact that the players were disappointed despite the win showed where they set their standards this year as they aimed for a finals berth.
“We want to be consistent and want to perform,” he said.
Former Reds backrower Scott Higginbotham’s debut in his new strip was described as “patchy” by coach Damien Hill.
After giving away two early penalties, Higginbotham was yellow-carded midway through the first half for alleged foul play.
On the positive side the Wallaby was heavily involved and showed some toe when he made a break from just outside the 22 off a Beale pass, which unfortunately was called forward.
Higginbotham felt he was still finding his way with his new side.
“I’m just keen to get into it and first game … things didn’t go my way at the start of the game but I was just blowing out the cobwebs,” he said.
“We’re showing signs of good stuff.
“We were a little bit off the mark today but we got the win and it’s a great start to the season.”
The Rebels and the Force both came through the game unscathed with the Perth side off to South Africa to face new side the Southern Kings.
Wallabies winger Nick Cummins has overcome a knee injury to be available for selection, along with skipper Matt Hodgson and forward Hugh McMeniman.
