The Rebels will; need acting captain Scott Higginbotham at his best against the Kings. Source: Getty Images
MELBOURNE's hopes of posting a maiden Super Rugby victory over South African opponents is under threat from familiar sources -- hulking forwards and a bulldozer mentality.
The Southern Kings face the Rebels at AAMI Park tonight as rank underdogs with the bookmakers' assessment at odds with that of rugby purists.
Former Wallabies captain George Gregan watched the Kings stretch the ACT Brumbies to a 28-28 draw in Canberra last week and warned Melbourne to be on high alert.
"The Rebels need to start well because the Kings aren't going to go away," Gregan said.
"They performed well against the Brumbies.
"They're a typical South African team -- they thrive on winning the collisions and they defend very, very well.
"They've got a lot to play for and this is a dangerous team. They'll play for the full duration of this match."
The Kings hail from a rugby stronghold with a heritage much deeper than Melbourne's.
While there has been plenty of controversy over the Kings' entry to Super Rugby, there is no confusion over how they play.
"Up to now this has been a team with a really good set piece and strong go-forward," Rebels coach Damien Hill said.
"They play a relatively simple pattern, but they do exceptionally well.
"Now they've added to that a very good contest at the breakdown and their defence has lifted accordingly.
"One of the main things against any South African team is to make sure they don't get any go-forward.
"If you don't stop them on the tackle line, the advantage line consistently, their go-forward snowballs and you're on the back foot the whole time."
Hill will rely on his under-rated tight five of Nic Henderson, Ged Robinson, Paul Alo-Emile, Hugh Pyle and Cadeyrn Neville to unbalance the Kings.
Much will also depend on the backrow cohesion of Luke Jones, Scott Fuglistaller and acting captain Scott Higginbotham and their linking with the backs.
Higginbotham and No.10 James O'Connor are the only Rebels in the Wallabies logistics squad to meet in Sydney tomorrow.
REBELS v KINGS AAMI PARK TONIGHT 7.40PM WATCH LIVE ON FOX SPORTS
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