The Rebels played their toughest match yet in their short history, prevailing against a determined Fiji 42-27 ahead of their first Investec Super Rugby opponent, with the Crusaders to play in the maiden match at AAMI Park.
The new 'rectangular' stadium will host the seven time champions in a clash that coach Rod Macqueen said will provide an accurate barometer of where the Rebels are at.
Another healthy crowd turned out for Victoria's new rugby team, with 3,445 fans packing into St Patrick's College in Ballarat.
The Rebels continued their pre-season pattern of playing two different teams in each half, and the game was notable for the introduction of three new faces - in Wallabies veteran Stirling Mortlock, former NRL premiership winner and ex Toulon back Luke Rooney, and former England international Michael Lipman.
Interestingly the Rebels also played Danny Cipriani at fullback in the first half, where he excelled with a brilliant attacking try, and his boot was on song, kicking five conversions.
The former London Wasp and England test star moved to first five-eighth in the second half, and the Rebels lost a fair amount of their attacking sting.
Five first half tries were scored by the Rebels, giving them a 35-13 lead when the teams returned to the sheds.
The second half was 14-7 to Fiji's favour, and the Pacific Islanders will take plenty of heart that they competed so well against the new Super Rugby team that is quickly finding it's feet.
Rebels 42
Tries: Mitchell, Hilgendorf, Mortlock, Cipriani, Vuna, Tessman
Cons: Cipriani 5, Hilgendorf
Fiji 27
Tries: Samoca, Sauradu, Ratuniyarawa
Cons: Nakaidawa 3
Pens: Nakaidawa 2
Rebels
First Half (Jersey numbers displayed, positions 1-15): 13 Nic Henderson, 25 Ged Robinson, 28 Greg Somerville, 3 Adam Byrnes, 22 Kevin O’Neil, 27 Jarrod Saffy, 5 Tom Chamberlain, 9 Gareth Delve, 23 Nick Phipps, 14 James Hilgendorf, 20 Lachlan Mitchell, 31 Cooper Vuna, 21 Stirling Mortlock, 29 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 6 Danny Cipriani Reserves: 15 Alex Rokobaro, 34 Chris Slade, 11 Sam Latunipulu, 33 Luke Holmes
Second Half: 2 Rodney Blake, 30 Heath Tessman, 32 Laurie Weeks, 4 Al Campbell, 24 Hugh Pyle, 16 Luke Jones, 18 Michael Lipman, 8 Tim Davidson, 17 Richard Kingi, 6 Danny Cipriani, 10 JP Du Plessis, 14 James Hilgendorf, 20 Lachlan Mitchell, 1 Peter Betham, 26 Luke Rooney Reserves: 15 Alex Rokobaro, 34 Chris Slade, 11 Sam Latunipulu, 33 Luke Holmes
Fiji
1 Ratu Aca Reynold Gavidi Ratuva, 2 Apisalome Waqatabu, 3 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 4 Joeli Kotobalavu, 5 Nemia Kenatale Ranuku, 6 Viliame Veikoso, 7 Waisea Nailago, 8 Setefano Samoca, 9 Kelebi Rokoua Ketedromo, 10 Jimilai Naikadawa, 11 Waisale Nabeka Natuqaqa Misikarou Vatuvoka, 12 Paula Mataniqina Naleweniikataga, 13 Rupeni Nasiga, 14, Seveci Tukamaiwai Sauradu, 15 Adriu Delai Reserves: 16 Ratu Penijamini N Makutu, 17 Iosefo Bele Tabalala, 18 Isoa Donaldson Tora, 19 Ravai Sausau Fatiaki, 20 Isoa Colacola, 21 Josaia Ravulovulo Vakacegu, 22 Malakai Volau, 23 Manoa Satala, 24 Anare Takabakaba Koliavu, 25 Navitalai Naitevui Lilo Bolatagici, 26 Seveci Tukamaiwai Sauradu, 27 Ratu Taniela Rawaqa Maravunawasawasa, 28 Tevita Cavubati
