The Rebels offered very little resistance as the Crusaders notched a half century at AAMI Park.
Here’s what we learned from the 55-10 result.
1. Rebels hit new low
The 55-10 loss was the worst at AAMI Park in Melbourne’s history.They were lucky to take just a 13-10 deficit into the sheds and there were three very soft tries scored in the final 20.
Coach Dave Wessels has a serious challenge on his hand as his side looked a lost cause in the second term.
2. Genia’s game cut short
Will Genia limped off just before half time after clearly struggling with a knee injury suffered halfway through the first term.
The Rebels looked aimless without him and on the FOX post game coverage, Genia reportedly told staff he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
That’s the last thing Melbourne need.
3. Melbourne must look outside Mafi
Click Here: brisbane lions guernsey 2019
As devastating Amanaki Mafi is, Melbourne’s attack has become too predictable.
Mafi is now being targeted by two to three defenders and Wessels must either work a wrinkle into Melbourne’s attack which uses him as a decoy or encourage more offloads, as he is becoming less effective with ball in hand.
4. Crusaders in cruise control
The Crusaders’ rout of Melbourne was their eight straight win on Aussie soil.
They are sitting pretty atop the New Zealand Conference and the fate of the trans-Tasman streak now lies with the Waratahs, tomorrow night.
5. Koroibete calling out for help
Marika Koroibete made a starting wing spot for the Wallabies his own through the back half of last year.
Tonight, he looked far from the player that demanded selection in Michael Cheika’s starting XV.
Koroibete’s defence – arguably his biggest strength – has lost its punch.
He appears slow on his typically deadly defensive reads and is missing more first up tackles than ever before.