Melbourne coach Kevin Foote won't be lured into taking the Crusaders lightly ahead of Friday's must-win clash on Anzac Round Weekend.
The Rebels (5-3) sit fourth on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder and are well-placed to break their finals duck under the top-eight playoff system.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport. However, they face a daunting six weeks ahead with tomorrow's showdown in Christchurch the first of four away fixtures.
The Crusaders have won just one of their seven games so far in 2024 after falling to the Western Force 37-15 last week but will be boosted by returning skipper Scott Barrett among a host of quality inclusions for Round 10.
Foote says his side are under no illusions about the challenge ahead but says all eyes are firmly on Friday.
"I actually thought they defended pretty well. It's probably more their attack that let them down," Foote said of the Crusaders' last performance.
"They'll be stinging … and we're under no illusions about what's coming and what we're going to have to do.
"We've done well over this first block and now we're halfway up the mountain."
The Rebels will be without standout lock Lukhan Salakai-Loto, who underwent foot surgery last week following a fracture sustained in their Round 8 win over the Highlanders, but welcome back Rob Leota from a calf complaint.
"He's been huge, Lukhan, not only as a player, his leadership has been phenomenal," Foote said of Salakai-Loto.
"He puts in a massive load ... just his whole work ethic is huge."
Check out rugby.com.au's Super Rugby Pacific Round 10 Team News for more matchday squads.
