Force thrashing to fire Rebels

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ROCKED by an embarrassing thrashing from Western Force, Melbourne next faces the might of the Crusaders — the seven-time Super Rugby champions — in a pivotal clash at AAMI Park on Friday night.

The Rebels returned from Perth late on Saturday night, leaving coach Tony McGahan to dissect the club's most disappointing effort since its 64-7 whipping by the Sharks in Durban last year.

While McGahan is likely to welcome back Tom English from the virus which sidelined the dynamic winger against the Force, he is also certain to make changes elsewhere.

Melbourne, which justifiably took pride in its excellent defensive display in a record win over the Cheetahs the previous week, conceded five tries in the first half against the Force.

And the Crusaders, who fielded 11 All Blacks and three Samoan internationals in a 14-13 thriller over the Cape Town Stormers in Christchurch, are viewing their clash with Melbourne as a "must-win."

Ominously, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has urged his squad to be more adventurous after generating scant opportunities against the miserly Stormers' defence.

A 76th-minute penalty from Tom Taylor lifted the Crusaders to victory after the Christchurch powerhouse had trailed for the entire second half.

The Crusaders are likely to travel to Melbourne without prop Corey Flynn and halfback Willie Heinz.

Flynn has a suspected fractured eye socket while Heinz has injured a calf.

Blackadder told New Zealand media Flynn might have to undergo surgery and Heinz would probably be replaced in the touring party by Mitchell Drummond.

The Crusaders are already without Richie McCaw (broken thumb), George Whitelock (strained adductor) and Adam Whitelock (hamstring).

Champion back Dan Carter is having a sabbatical from rugby.

Melbourne did not suffer any serious injuries against the Force.

The Rebels and Crusaders have played only twice in Super Rugby battle.

Melbourne upset the 'Saders 28-19 at AAMI Park in 2012 before narrowly failing to post its first overseas victory in Christchurch last season, losing 30-26.

Rebels officials expect strong ticket demand given the standing of the Crusaders and Melbourne's fine pre-season and opening-round form.

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