Melbourne Rebels' flanker Jarrod Saffy says his side must lift their work rate and enthusiasm, if they are to avoid the wooden spoon and end their inaugural Super Rugby season on a high.

The Rebels were given a rugby lesson by the high-flying Stormers at AAMI Park on Friday night, with the South Africans' defence suffocating any chance of attack by the home side.

They also managed to score four tries in the bonus point 40-3 victory, with Rebels' coach Rod Macqueen describing the performance as the most disappointing of the season.

Saffy said the Rebels were simply out-enthused and must do better in their remaining two games - against the Brumbies on Friday night and then at home to the Force.

"It was very disappointing," Saffy said.

"We always knew we were going to be up against it with the Stormers.

"But we thought we were going to perform but it wasn't our night, we were simply out-enthused."

While the Stormers, who led the South African conference, had the best defence in the competition, Melbourne let themselves down with poor handling and aimless kicking.

Saffy said the visitors, who were preparing for the upcoming Super Rugby finals, wanted the victory more.

"It all comes down to desire. They wanted it more than us," the former league star said.

"They ran harder than us and they tackled harder than us.

"We really need to lift up our talk and our enthusiasm and really get up for these next two games."

The Rebels sit last on the Australian conference and overall competition, but are still within striking distance of the Brumbies and the Lions in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

Two of Melbourne's three wins this year came against the Canberra side and the Force.

"They're going to be extremely tough. It's a really tight comp," Saffy said.

"Hopefully, we can get up for these games and finish the season on a positive note."

The Rebels' challenge in Canberra could be made more difficult, with hard-working young lock Hugh Pyle and fullback Richard Kingi under injury clouds after both limping off AAMI Park.

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