Rebels to play the Crusaders in trial match
Melbourne Rebels will host Super Rugby giants the Crusaders on February 5 next year, only 13 days before the fledgling club's competition debut.
Melbourne confirmed on Tuesday they would face the Christchurch-based side in a trial match at AAMI Park.
The match will be the first rugby union fixture played at the venue.
The Rebels will play their first game for points against New South Wales Waratahs at AAMI Park on February 18.
The Crusaders have won seven of the 15 Super Rugby titles, establishing themselves as one of the world's most successful teams.
Rebels head coach Rod Macqueen is excited at the prospect of testing his squad against the New Zealand powerhouse, partly because the clubs will not clash next season unless they meet in the finals.
"We are not scheduled to play the Crusaders as part of the initial conference pool structure, but it will be a strong examination of our progress and will give us an understanding of where we are in terms of our performance levels prior to the start of the tournament," he said.
Melbourne have abandoned plans for a two-match tour of Japan in November.
A tour of New Zealand and practice matches against Fiji and Tonga is being considered, instead.
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