The Melbourne Rebels have returned home from a true test in New Zealand, falling to the Crusaders 39 - 0 at Apollo Projects Stadium over the weekend.
The travelling Rebels had won the previous three games with momentum at their back, but were reminded about the difficulties of winning games in New Zealand, particularly in Christchurch.
The Rebels held off the Crusaders attack in the first period, with some strong line defence and work rate, however were outshone in set piece and starved of possession, with very few chances to attack.
Impact came when the reserve front row were brought on early, in a move to stem the Crusaders' power, which firmed up the Rebels' scrum initially, but were eventually worn down by the home team's power and momentum.
The night ended scoreless for the Rebels, with flashes of energy when the impact players made the field, but it was not enough to stop the emphatic Crusaders run away with the bonus point.
Speaking after the game, Captain Sam Talakai conceded it had been a tough night for the group against a Crusaders team with nothing to lose.
"They're hurting and they came out and they fought for everything," he said. "It showed up front, they got on top and they stayed on top, so disappointing for us."
The Rebels host the Blues at AAMI Park for Round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific, with the opportunity to get back to winning ways for the last stretch of the season.
