Rebels’ priority is to hold the ball

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SCOTT Higginbotham says attention to detail and defensive awareness will be vital to Melbourne's hopes of downing the Hurricanes at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Sitting seventh, four places higher than the Rebels, the Hurricanes remain one of Super Rugby's most dangerous teams despite their surprise fade out against NSW last week.

Leading 24-7, the 'Canes are livid after being cut down 39-30 by the Waratahs, while Melbourne is keen to atone for a 22-16 loss to the table-topping Sharks.

One of several Rebels in Wallabies contention, Higginbotham said Melbourne has to improve execution to win.

"We had 26 turnovers (against the Sharks) and let in one try," he said.

"That's fantastic defence and that's also a lot of energy spent getting the ball back.

Rebels prop Max Lahiff lunges for the try line with Scott Higginbotham in support. Source: Getty Images

"Execution of our own plays and holding onto the ball is basically what let us down.

"We had good set piece. The forwards did really well at the weekend.

"Coming up against a pack like the Sharks and having a scrum that can put a bit of heat on their ball and give us clean ball is really, really good to see."

For the fourth time this season, the Rebels lost when they should have won.

Similar displays against seven-time champion Crusaders, reigning champion Chiefs and finals contenders Highlanders have left Melbourne with only flickering hopes of playoff action.

Almost certain to be without leading prop Toby Smith (shoulder) again, the Rebels have lost scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker (ankle).

Ben Meehan is likely to replace Stirzaker off the bench in support of Luke Burgess.

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Higginbotham said Melbourne's young list believes it is close to consistently converting opportunity into reward.

"The blokes are realising how close we are and how much the little things count," he said

"The young blokes are taking notice of that and doing the hard work to get better in those areas."

The Hurricanes handed Melbourne one of its most bruising defeats — a 66-24 demolition — in Wellington two years ago.

That defeat avenged Melbourne's 42-25 win at AAMI Park in 2011.

Higginbotham said one of the keys to competing with the 'Canes was keep them on a tight leash.

Rebels scrumhalf Luke Burgess makes a darting run against the Sharks at AAMI Park. Source: News Corp Australia

"They're a great side," Higginbotham said.

"If you watched them on the weekend, they tended to switch off when they got in front.

"It was interesting. You couldn't believe that the 'Tahs came back and won it.

"For us, we just have to hold onto the ball this week towards our own tryline."

Melbourne officials continue to work behind the scenes as they attempt to land a number of potential recruits.

Wallabies centre Matt Toomua on Wednesday extended his contract the ACT Brumbies, foiling Melbourne's hopes.

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