Force ruin Rebels' homecoming party

Western Force have left Melbourne as the only winless Australian Super Rugby Pacific team, securing a 28-3 win in a disappointing homecoming for the Rebels on Saturday night.

Returning to AAMI Park for their first home game in 287 days, the Rebels were looking to rebound from a heavy opening loss to the Queensland Reds.

But their stuttering attack failed to fire and they were unable to get across the tryline for their fans.

The men from Perth led 13-3 at halftime and that was blown out just two minutes into the second half as the Force took advantage of Melbourne losing Reece Hodge to a yellow card.

The Wallabies utility was sent for a stint on the sidelines for a cynical foul after he slapped the ball away from Reesjan Pasitoa following a break by the Force playmaker.

Centre Kyle Godwin then dotted down following a dominant Force scrum and with Ian Prior adding the extras the visitors had a commanding 17-point lead.

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Further souring the Rebels' night, Hodge was then given his marching orders in the 76th minute when he was pinged for a deliberate knockdown, with two yellow cards equating to red.

Despite fine conditions in Melbourne, the Rebels never really looked like rallying with their poor attack a major challenge for new coach Kevin Foote, who is looking to put his stamp on their game.

The Force, who almost toppled the Brumbies last round, also won't be overly pleased with their attack given the weight of possession they enjoyed, particularly in the first half.

Their only try in the opening stanza came through No.8 Tim Anstee in the 26th minute after some sustained pressure while reserve winger Byron Ralston ensured a bonus point with a try on the final siren.

They could have an injury concern with Wallabies lock Izack Rodda limping off midway through the second half with a calf issue.

Rebels 3 (Pens: To’omua 1) Western Force 28 (Tries: Ralston, Godwin, Anstee, Cons: Prior 2, Pens: Prior 3)

REBELS: 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Young Tonumaipea, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Ray Nu’u, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Matt To’omua, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Sam Wallis, 5 Ross Haylett-Petty, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Sef Fa'agase, 19 Thomas Nowlan, 20 Tamati Ioane, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Carter Gordon, 23 George Worth

WESTERN FORCE: 15 Jake Strachan, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Richard Kahui, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Tim Anstee, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 1 Tom Robertson