The Rebels lost their first game in Australia this season after falling to a desperate Stormers outfit 41-24.
Here's what we're talking about after the match.
1. Rebels fail to adjust on the run
Dave Wessels' flat attacking system has suited the Rebels so far this season, helping them to top place on the Australian conference. But they failed to deal with the disruption the Stormers' line speed and focus on halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper caused.
Sticking to the game plan is usually a plus for teams but the Rebels' refusal to switch things up in the second half as the Stormers continued to swarm led to their downfall. When they eventually found some space and depth, the Rebels charged back into the game.
2. Final minutes told plenty
Down 21 points with 20 minutes to go, the Rebels could have been forgiven for giving up on a game that just didn't seem to be going their way. But the final stages told plenty about their chances of making a maiden finals appearance later this year.
While they still didn't manage to totally turn the tide, or get the win, tries to Will Genia and Campbell Magnay gave them a sniff in the dying stages and showed the character of the team. The Rebels will rue a missed opportunity to extend their conference lead though and need to rebound quickly before their derby against the Waratahs next week.
3. Reshuffle hurts Rebels
The Rebels have benefitted from stability in their line-up for much of the season but the loss of Jack Maddocks, Matt Philip and Anaru Rangi to injury seemed to upset their flow against the Stormers. The trio is expected back from various minor injuries to face the Waratahs next week in a boost to Melbourne's chances of holding on to the Australian confeence lead.
Will Genia, Adam Coleman, Isi Naisarani and Marika Koroibete were rested from the team's clash against the Sharks in Durban earlier in the season in another game the Rebels lost. The club's Wallabies may be shuffled again under the World Cup rotation policy and the Rebels need to be able to better deal with the disruptions.
4. Cooper making Wallabies case
Quade Cooper maintained claimed this week the World Cup is not on his radar but he continues to make a compelling case for a Wallabies comeback. While the loss to the Stormers was far from his best game this season, he remains one of Australia's best flyhalf options for Japan and has to be under Michael Cheika's microscope.
While Cooper has shown new levels of maturity and composure - both on and off the field this season - some of his bad habits crept back in as the Stormers turned the screws last night. Frustration led to poor options in attack, while he also missed two tackles, one of which led directly to a Stormers try.
5. South African curse continues
The Rebels' three losses this season have all come against South African team, suggesting a failure to deal with their bigger, more physical packs. Melbourne's flat attack has little time to respond to the smothering defence of rushing forwards but they will still rue their African hoodoo, especially after blowing a big lead against the Lions in Johannesburg.
Wary of the improved Sunwolves last week, a ruthless Rebels scored a bonus point win. But they failed to pay the Stormers the same respect and seemed flat from the get-go against a side that was desperate not to return from its Australasian tour winless.
