The Blues will take on the Rebels tonight in the 2017 Super Rugby Opener with the aim of extending their winning record against the struggling Australian franchise.
These two teams have met five times and the Blues have won 3 of those matches.
The Blues and Rebels last met in Round 10 of the Super Rugby last year with the Blues winning 36-30 in Auckland.
The Melbourne Rebels have won their past four season openers and have a strong chance to make it five, coming up against an understrength Blues.
However, the Rebels have again been hit hard by injury missing Marika Koroibete, Sefa Naivalu and Sean McMahon.
The Blues are missing Jerome Kaino, Patrick Tuipulotu and Sonny Bill Williams but with three All Blacks on the bench they should come home strong.
The Blues clash with the Rebels at 8.45 tonight in Melbourne.
