The Melbourne Rebels will face Samoa and the Auckland Blues in trial games in the lead up to their 2016 Super Rugby season.
The Melbourne Rebels will prepare for the upcoming Super Rugby season with a trial match against Samoa.
It will be the first time the Rebels face world No.15-ranked Samoa, who pushed quarter-finalists Scotland to the brink during their Rugby World Cup pool game in October which finished 36-33.
Two weeks prior to meeting the fast-paced Samoans in Melbourne on February 18, the Rebels will travel to Auckland for their other trial match against the Blues.
“After a long pre-season it’s always exciting to have your first home hit out and put all of that training and hard work into practice,” said Rebels prop Laurie Weeks.
“Samoan rugby has a proud history and I’m expecting this game to be a challenge, they are big, fast and extremely physical in their playing style.
“The Rebels fans are pretty passionate but then so is the Samoan rugby community.
“There might be a few fans caught between supporting us and national pride.
“Let’s hope the Rebels fans don’t get drowned out by cheers for the opposition.”