Melbourne assistant coach Nathan Grey was hugely impressed with the Rebels' heroic defence against the Brumbies last week.

Yet the former Wallaby coach isn't looking for a repeat performance in their Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Rebels logged a mammoth 213 tackles - the second highest in Super history - in their one-point triumph over the Brumbies.

But they only managed one try, scored late in the match by skipper Stirling Mortlock.

Defence coach Grey hopes that improvements in attack mean they won't have to to defend so much this week.

"To be a complete side you need to be able to win in both scenarios," he said o n Friday.

"It was a good effort from the boys and something they can hang their hat on, but I'd rather them hang their hat on consistent performances every week.

"Physically it takes a lot out of the guys so we're hoping we won't have defend as much, but hoping for a similar result."

The win came after a horror start to the season when they were thrashed 43-0 by the Waratahs.

Grey said they quickly put both games behind them.

"We had a look at the things we did well and the things we could improve on and then our focus was immediately on the Chiefs," he said.

"There's certainly a lot of things from that game we can improve on ... to be honest we are going to have to defend better over the duration of the season.

"While we're excited we're not getting carried away by one win by one point."

Melbourne head coach Rod Macqueen has made one enforced change with former league star Luke Rooney out with an abdominal strain and his place on the bench taken by exciting young back Peter Betham.

The Chiefs, who haven't won in their last six matches at home, have brought All Blacks legend Tana Umaga back into the side after he was rested for their second round loss to the Highlanders.

Grey played many times against Umaga and is actually younger than the 37-year-old centre, but had no desire to dig out his boots again.

"He amazes me, he obviously enjoys it and he's still playing decent footy."

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