The Melbourne Rebels had a minor win over the NSW Waratahs in re-signing young forward Luke Jones but they are eyeing a much bigger prize at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Ahead of their Super Rugby clash the Rebels announced they had fended off NSW and the Western Force to sign Jones, touted as a future Wallaby, on a three-year deal.
Exciting utility back Tom English also extended his contract with Melbourne until the end of 2016.
The signing of the 23-year-olds helped counter the loss of their international marquee players Gareth Delve and Ged Robinson, who confirmed this week they would leave at season’s end.
The Rebels are on a high following their break-through victory over the Stormers last round, which ended a run of four tight losses.
But they rate the in-form Waratahs as a huge step up, made even tougher with no Wallabies James O’Connor (chest injury) or Kurtley Beale (suspended).
They have included former Rebel James Hilgendorf, who was cut from the club last year, on the bench as a back-up to rookie 10 Bryce Hegarty.
Despite leading at halftime in their round three match, they haven’t ever seriously challenged NSW in their five meetings.
“The last 15 minutes they got the better of us but I think both teams have improved over the length of the competition,” Hill said.
“The Waratahs are one of the form teams.
“They’ve got their halves playing well, a number of big forwards who are getting some really good go-forward and they’ve got threats out wide.”
After clinching their first ever win over a South African team Hill said Melbourne was ready for its next challenge.
“That’s to back up their performance against the Stormers.
“The guys are confident and fit, it will come down to execution and mindset on the day.”
A win over the Waratahs would go a long way to helping Hill’s case for another coaching contract with Melbourne.
He said the commitment of lock Jones and winger English was another big tick for the prospects of the Rebels.
“Tommy has taken his opportunities and Luke Jones has fought his way back into the starting 15 and it’s good for the club.
“We’ve come so far this season and they can see where we’re going.”
