Melbourne Rebels star James O'Connor is ready to take on the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
STAND-IN Melbourne captain James O'Connor expects a baptism of fire against NSW tonight, but says the Rebels can pull off a Super Rugby ambush.
Melbourne is yet to beat the Waratahs in four attempts and O'Connor, captain tonight in the absence of injured Gareth Delve, is bracing for a brutal challenge.
But the Wallabies back is adamant if Melbourne produces a sustained 80-minute effort, the Rebels can triumph.
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"The history is there, we know how each other play," O'Connor said.
"We've seen enough footage of each other.
"They're a very physical pack, they've got big men.
"In a way, they're pretty similar to the style of rugby the Brumbies are playing.
"When they're winning that game-line battle, they can stop teams from getting that go-forward and pin you in the corner. They try and rely on errors.
"They're going to be a very formidable opponent. We're going to have to play a great game to beat them."
Fullback O'Connor will be pivotal to the outcome, but much will depend on how the Rebels combat the powerful NSW forwards.
There are seven Wallabies in the Waratahs pack, and nine in total spread throughout their starting XV.
Both teams lost last week, laying the foundations for another ferocious battle for the Weary Dunlop Shield.
Melbourne led the Brumbies 13-12 at halftime before going down 30-13, while the Waratahs recovered from 17-0 down against the Reds but still lost 25-17.
O'Connor is demanding a repeat of last week's first 40 minutes.
"We started the game how we wanted, we played the style how we wanted," he said.
"We got on top at the half and went into the second half with a pretty positive mindset.
"But we got injuries and things didn't go our way and they stepped up.
"We want a full 80-minute effort this week."
The Waratahs are on a nine-game losing streak with its last success coming against Melbourne in April last year.
Coach Michael Cheika said history was no guide to the outcome of tonight's clash.
"It's a different season, different people, different feel," he said.
"The only game that counts is the next one.
"We're only going forward. Maybe some guys might have (the losing streak) in their head, I don't know.
"One thing is for sure, there's no lack of intent and effort into the preparation that goes into winning games."
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