"The Rebels played two pre-season games against Tonga, and one against Fiji, before facing the Crusaders (New Zealand), a fortnight before Round One.The Rebels won both games against Tonga, 43–13 at Olympic Park and 54–0 at La Trobe City Stadium in Morwell, playing two uncontracted amateur players from Victorian Rugby Union clubs; Chris Slade from the Melbourne Unicorns and Sam Latunipulu Jnr from the Southern Districts Pirates.