Melbourne halfback Will Genia says there's no room for talk about records against Kiwi Super Rugby teams as the Rebels prepare for their Good Friday clash with the Hurricanes.
The Rebels will fly the flag for Australia's teams at AAMI Park, hoping to snap the losing streak that dates back to the 2016 season.
With one loss for the season, Melbourne sit atop the overall Super Rugby standings yet are still rated long shots to knocking over the men from Wellington.
Genia said the leadership group had made a point of not addressing the win-loss record.
"More often not, if you're talking about things like the record being poor or we (as Australian teams) haven't played well historically (against New Zealand teams) then you're giving them a mental edge already," the Test No.9 said on Thursday.
"That's a mental barrier you have to cross before you even can get on the field.
"The biggest thing we've spoken about is just playing how we play, not worrying too much about the opposition because we have confidence in how we play and it shouldn't matter who's in front of us."
Melbourne five-eighth Jack Debreczeni faces his biggest test of the season, lining up against All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett.
Debreczeni, who didn't even have a playing contract in January, has been one of his team's most consistent performers.
The Rebels host the Hurricanes on Friday night at AAMI Park, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
