Filipo Daugunu scored a double and Andrew Kellaway made an early case to wear the Wallabies fullback jersey with a starring role in Melbourne's rousing 48-34 Super Rugby Pacific victory over Western Force.
Both teams entered Super Round at AAMI Park after first-round losses, with the cash-strapped Rebels also playing for their future off the field.
Melbourne roared home, scoring four tries in the second half to post a morale-boosting win, with star recruit prop Taniela Tupou a big contributor.
The Rebels' line-out was again problematic, losing four in the first half, but their forwards otherwise aimed up after criticism following their first-round performance.
With new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt watching from the stands, the home side trailed 19-24 at halftime but could have been further behind if not for Kellaway's efforts.
He was first on the scoreboard in the eighth minute with a scything run from inside their own half, then closed the margin with his second try seven minutes after the halftime siren.
Kellaway combined with halves James Tuttle and Carter Gordon on the short side off a dominant scrum to dot down.
The Force answered early in the second half, with a Ben Donaldson penalty and then a try by Force back-rower Michael Wells in the 49th minute pushing their lead out to 34-19.
But from there it was all the Rebels, scoring 29 unanswered points.
The substitutes, led by halfback Ryan Louwrens, fired up the troops and Josh Kemeny and Gordon both scored - the latter taking an intercept from a Donaldson pass.
Ex-Reds winger Filipo Daugunu also demonstrated his athleticism to score twice to keep the Force at bay.
"We needed that one, it was scrappy but we will take it, it's certainly a step in the right direction," Kellaway told Stan Sport.
"Our bench was fantastic, they came on and made an immediate impact."
REBELS 48
Tries: Kellaway 2, Gordon 2, Kemeny, Daugunu 2
Cons: Gordon 3/4, Strachan 3/3
Pens: Strachan 1/1
FORCE 34
Tries: Tiatia, Horton, Burey, Wells
Cons: Donaldson 3/4
Pens: Donaldson 2/2
MELBOURNE REBELS v WESTERN FORCE TEAMS
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Rob Leota (captain), 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Matt Gibbon
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 21 Ryan Louwrens, 22 Jake Strachan, 23 Nick Jooste
Western Force: 15 Max Burey, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Chase Tiatia, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Nic White, 8 Will Harris, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Michael Wells, 5 Thomas Franklin, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Ryan Coxon
Replacements: 16 Feleti Kaitu’u, 17 Charlie Hancock, 18 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 19 Tim Anstee, 20 Lopeti Faifua, 21 Ollie Callan, 22 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 George Poolman
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Reuben Keane
