The Rebels sealed a bonus-point win against the Sunwolves to maintain their perfect record in Australia this season and cement their place at the top of the Australian conference.
Here's what we're talking about after their 42-15 win.
1. Discipline is an issue for the Rebels
It's hard to complain about a bonus-point win, especially on a day during which Australian rivals the Brumbies and Waratahs let matches slip through their fingers. But the Rebels must improve their discipline if they are to cement top place in the Australian conference and seal a maiden finals appearance.
Melbourne gave away 15 penalties during the match and had two players handed yellow cards - although these came inside the final 10 minutes, with Campbell Magnay's binning in the 80th minute as the hooter sounded. Regardless, their indiscretions handed the Sunwolves opportunities to get back into the game.
The Japanese side made conference rivals the Waratahs pay for their errors last week and while they were unable to do the same to the Rebels, a better side will make the Rebels pay. They cannot be as sloppy against their Kiwi rivals as the season heads towards its peak.
2. The Rebels are unbeaten in Australia this season
It's a record the Rebels' conference rivals would love to be able to boast as each of the Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies has dropped winnable matches at home this season. Losses in both their games on tour in South Africa have hurt and the Rebels will be tested yet in Tokyo, Wellington and Christchurch.
But their ability to defend their home patch is priceless under the conference system and could lead to a maiden finals appearance. The Rebels face a massive test against the Stormers next week, with the South Africans desperate to come away from their four-match tour with a win.
3. Luke Jones' return could lead to Wallabies recall
Luke Jones' return from France has been a boon for the Rebels this season but it could also be a plus for the Wallabies with coach Michael Cheika admitting on Saturday the backrower was in the frame for a World Cup call-up. Jones played three tests for the Wallabies before leaving for Bordeaux and with Cheika revealing to Fox Sports on Saturday he would consider breaking the "Pooper" combination of Michael Hooper and David Pocock, his form for the Rebels has put him in the picture.
With the Wallabies on the lookout for a lineout jumping no.6, Jones is a certain candidate and did his chances no harm with a solid, if not spectacular effort against the Sunwolves. Jones has been in sparkling form this season though and is equal-second in the competition for tackles won, behind only Wallabies skipper Hooper.
4. Rebels ready for Sunwolves' resurgence
Rebels players are among the few in the competition who truly understand the emotions of the soon-to-be banished Sunwolves, with the club containing several former Western Force players and staff members. And they were ready for the passion and determination with which the Japanese side would play despite news the franchise is set to be axed from Super Rugby after 2020.
Former Force player Billy Meakes, a former Force player, said the situation only galvanised a squad and while it had not been openly discussed ahead of the game, the Rebels were ready for the passion the Sunwolves would show. "It's a pretty disappointing situation to find yourself in, you start playing some pretty exciting rugby and it does bring your group together pretty tight. It's really disappointing for those guys, I think they've been playing some outstanding rugby and it was a huge challenge for us."
5. Cooper and Genia making a difference
You don't have to be Einstein to see the impact former Reds players Will Genia and Quade Cooper are making for the Rebels. It should be the case with experienced international halves who know each other's game so well. But it's the difference the pair is making to the players around them that is having such an impact for the Rebels.
Genia helped them to within reach of a finals appearance last season but it could be Cooper's comfort in carrying out coach Dave Wessels' flat attack and the confidence he seems to give those around him that makes the most difference for Melbourne.
As well as creating for those around them - including fullback Reece Hodge, who had a hat-trick against the Sunwolves - both Cooper and Genia scored themselves and Cooper had a perfect record with the boot, underlining their impact on the game.
