The Rebels beat Samoa 85-0 in their pre-season match in Melbourne on Thursday.

The hosts raced into a 38-0 first-half lead before adding seven tries after the break to secure a massive victory ahead of their Super Rugby opener against the Force on 27 February.

The Rebels opened the scoring in the first minute through winger Reece Hodge. The floodgates then flew open as scrumhalf Ben Meehan, flyhalf Jack Debreczeni, flank Jordy Reid and utility back Reece Hodge all added their names to the scoresheet while fullback Mike Harris converted four attempts at goal.

The carnage continued in the second half as centre Tamati Ellison went over for his side's seventh try in the 44th minute. The Melbourne side added six more tries through replacement fullback Jonah Placid, centre Tom English, replacement flyhalf Dan Hawkins, replacement scrumhalf Mick Snowden and wing Dom Shipperly to complete a 13-try rout.

Rebels – Tries: Reece Hodge (2). Ben Meehan, Jack Debreczeni, Jordy Reid, Tamati Ellison, Jonah Placid, Tom English (2), Dan Hawkins, Mick Snowden, Dom Shipperly. Conversions: Mike Harris (6), Dan Hawkins (4).

Rebels (squad) – Cruze Ah Nau, Ryan Cocker, Steve Cummins, Colby Fainga’a, Scott Fuglistaller, James Hanson, Luke Jones, Pat Leafa, Sean McMahon (c), Jordy Reid, Culum Retallick, Siliva Siliva, Toby Smith, Adam Thomson, Lopeti Timani, Laurie Weeks, Jack Debreczeni, Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Mike Harris, Dan Hawkins, Reece Hodge, Mitch Inman, Ben Meehan, Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperley, Mick Snowden.

Samoa (squad) – Jake Grey, Tietie Tuimauga, Semiperive Semeane, Siliva Tapu, Valentine Meachen, Oneone Faafou, Tumama Tuulua, Talaga Alofipo, Nissan Aitui, Mikaele Tapili, Greg Foe, Joseph Fuimaono, Melani Matavao, Vaiofoga Simanu, Sofara Mai, Stefano Hunt, Vaovasa Afa, Faleniu Iosi, Faialaga Afamasaga, Sam Franklin, Titi Esau, Isaia Petelo, Lester Sefo.

Photo: Melbourne Rebels