Rebels facing tough test against 'Canes

SUPER Rugby Pacific play-off spots were confirmed this weekend, with the soon-to-be extinct Melbourne Rebels living to fight another day in eighth place.

- TOM JEFFREYS

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They face a considerable challenge in the quarter-finals though, with the Hurricanes having picked the Blues' pocket to finish top of the table.

Following a difficult run of form for the Rebels in the back end of the league season, no doubt influenced by the five months of an increasing sense of financial dread that was finally confirmed this week, they were given a reprieve by Western Force, whose failure to win their last two games ensured the Rebels' strong mid-season run will be rewarded with a first-ever playoff run in the club's 14th and final season.

However, having suffered six losses on the bounce, their quarterfinal away to the table-topping Hurricanes could be a gruesome end to the club's life. They finished off the league season with a 40-19 loss to Fijian Drua, a result that deserves a significant amount of perspective given the players were informed of their liquidation just before their flight to Fiji, with Rugby Australia deeming the rescue package proposed to save the club too optimistic, with insufficient details included to explain how the club could repay the $23m owed to creditors.

Speaking before the game, Rebels coach Kevin Foote said: "[The room was] deadly silent, just absolute devastation, noone said a word. We've really got the opportunity to finish strong ... we're going to hold our heads high and have a crack."