Former Brumbies halfback and Wallabies skipper George Gregan has said that the Melbourne Rebels could be “knocking on the door” at the Super Rugby play offs later this year.
The Rebels kick off their Super Rugby campaign against the Western Force in Perth and have a settled squad that largely avoided a big exodus of players but did manage to add a few key players.
Gregan remains the most capped Wallabies player and says that he can see plenty to be positive about in the Rebels – in particular their forward pack which includes Sean McMahon, World Cup winner Adam Thomson and Scott Fuglistaller.
“I think they’ve got a good squad and the depth in their backrow really jumps out at you,” he told FoxSports.
“There is fierce competition there and, as we saw during the World Cup, breakdowns are a really important area and they’ve got some wonderful players in their backrow to compete hard there.
“They’ve got a really good midfield and some good finishers in the back three.”
The Rebels had their best ever season last year as they won seven games and lost five matches by five points or less.
Rebels head coach says the priority is to win another seven matches but Gregan says they have the platform is there for them to take it to the next step.
“I think they have potential; they have kept the bulk of the squad and made some inspired new additions,” he said.
“A team is always evolving and progressing, but I think this is a year they can really be knocking on the door.
“I’m sure they’d to love to finish on top of the conference, but just giving themselves a chance to be in the first week of the finals and getting through those last rounds and playing in that next level is what it is all about.
“Once you get there it is anyone’s game, so the platform is there for them to deliver.”
Gregan has also backed scrumhalf Stirzaker who has been named as the Rebels captain for this Super Rugby season..
“I think Nic Stirzaker is also an inspired choice as captain,” he said.
“I just think he is a guy that likes to compete and he wants to improve. You can see he works really hard on his game, and that shows in the game and also off the ball, which I like about him.”
