Hugh Pyle will need to lead from the front in 2014. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited
MELBOURNE Rebels' status as Super Rugby's most enterprising franchise is about to undergo radical change.
While the Rebels retain a mandate to attack with flair, it will do so mostly in counter-offensive mode as new coach Tony McGahan orchestrates game-plan change.
At McGahan's instruction, the Rebels will place a greater premium on smothering opposition forays, intent on showing defence is the keystone of success.
"I think for us the major piece that we're looking for is defence," McGahan said.
"The Rebels have shown they have the ability to score tries. What we're looking to do is build upon that defensively.
"That's the big key for us - to have that defensive mindset and an ability to stop the opposition working their way up the field as best we can and therefore denying points.
"The breakdown work is just as important for us.
"They're our two main points at the moment. We need those two areas as a real strong base to work on and to have that in behind us to work on.
"It doesn't matter too much what we do with the ball if our defence and breakdown work is not up to standard.
"They're our two keys.
"We understand the market we're in. We understand we need to play some entertaining rugby, but I think if we've got those two pillars in first, with the general abilities of the players we've got, we'll be able to shine through."
Renowned as tough taskmaster, McGahan's defensive stamp has become apparent as Melbourne works its way through the pre-season.
Every player, from front- rowers to outside backs, has been put on notice that tackles are expected to be made - and to stick.
"Players have a very strong awareness of where they're at and where the business is at," McGahan said.
"They're fully aware this is a part of the game that is non-negotiable and a lot of the capacity of that isn't talent driven.
"It's the ability to get some hard work in and that will be a driving force for us. I'm a defence coach by trade so that's a big focus for me. Defence puts you into the game to get into the fight and we need to get into the fight first.
"Tracking back, whether it's been a give up of leads early on or being unable to work their way back into the game, we need to have a really strong base of defence.
"That will give us a platform to base our attack off."
Impressed by the Rebels' work ethic, McGahan said his game plan was gradually taking hold.
"We've been working hard, like everyone else has at this stage," he said.
"It's been really a process of bedding down new players, bedding down new staff, everyone getting used to each other.''
"The common element has been the amount of work they've been getting through and the enthusiasm they've shown for that.''
"Everyone has been working as hard as they can within their capabilities.
"You can slowly see that improvement each week."
The Rebels will play three pre-season pre-season trial games in February - against NSW Waratahs in Albury, the Hurricanes in Geelong and Queensland Reds in Noosa.
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