Rebels counting the cost

The Rebels have a few injury concerns ahead of their home match against the Western Force this coming Friday.

They return to Melbourne after coming agonisingly close to scoring their first win in New Zealand – eventually going down 16-22 to the two-time defending champion Chiefs at the weekend.

Aiming for a breakthrough victory on foreign soil, the Rebels were on the back foot early but, much like the pervious week's match against the Highlanders, an impressive second half performance saw them poised to score a major upset.

But the visitors could not find the knock-out blow in the tense final minutes and the Chiefs held on to end a three-match winless streak of their own.

However, the Rebels were left counting the cost of the trip across the Tasman Sea.

Back row forward Scott Fuglistaller is being assessed after picking up a shoulder injury against the Chiefs.

If ruled out his loss will be a huge blow to the Rebels ahead of an encounter against one of the competition's form teams.

Hooker Steve Fualau also sustained a knee injury after the hour mark in Melbourne University's narrow loss to Moorabbin in the domestic club competition and will also undergo further assessment from the medical staff.

Young guns Lalakai Foketi and Sam Jeffries have overcome their respective injuries and will be in contention to play against the Western Force.

However, both are more likely to feature in club competitions and will remain on the periphery of the Super Rugby team.

Jack Debrezeni, Lopeti Timani and Telusa Veainu continue to progress well towards their return to full fitness, and are expected to be available to play their part at some stage of this season's Super Rugby campaign.

Tom Sexton and Lachlan Mitchell are continuing their rehabilitation after suffering season-ending knee injuries.