Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill is concerned about his team's flagging ... - Herald Sun

Jordy Reid of the Rebels heads for a gap against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein as Melbourne slump to another loss. Picture: Loren Battersby Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE coach Damien Hill has identified two alarming trends as the Rebels attempt to arrest a deepening Super Rugby slump after their 18-point loss to the Cheetahs.

Sitting at the bottom of the Australian Conference - and 13th overall - Melbourne has lost its past five games for a 1-5 record.

Frustrated at blowing winning chances against Queensland, NSW and the Brumbies, Hill is concerned about the team's inability to adhere to the game plan.

"There seems to be real disconnect at the moment between how we plan, how we train and then what we do on the field," Hill said.

"Our game plan tonight came through on two or three occasions and when it did you could see it worked.

"But then there'd be someone who would carry the ball high or there'd be a missed pass or there'd be a simple core skill execution that would falter.

"Against any team in this competition, the ball is 60m back down the field or it's a try."

Melbourne was left to rue a string of botched chances.

Hill said sagging self-belief was a factor because of inconsistent execution.

"The disappointing thing probably was in that first half in particular - we were in good field position to attack so often yet we failed again to execute," he said.

"That's now becoming a very common theme."

Yesterday's display was a case in point.

Ahead 6-3 after 27 minutes, the Rebels conceded five tries after their confidence vanished as try-scoring opportunities were ruined by poor handling.

Hill said Melbourne's senior players had to show more leadership.

"Confidence is at a low," he said. "We have a number of young players in this team who need to be led as much by actions by our senior players - we've got some good senior players - as much as words."

Captain Gareth Delve agreed: "I think confidence is the magic formula. With that behind us, we're a different side."

Hill is certain to ring more changes this week with the return of Wallaby Cooper Vuna.

Prop Laurie Weeks (cheek) and impressive flanker Jordy Reid (eye) suffered head knocks, and three-quarter Lachlan Mitchell has a badly corked leg and was on crutches post-match.