The Chiefs have made a statement in their final match of the Super Rugby regular season with a 59-8 demolishing of the Rebels.
Three months ago, the Hamilton-based side hadn't won a game in their first five matches - sitting dead last.
But after their bonus-point win over the Rebels the Chiefs secure their spot in the playoffs next week.
With former Rebel Jack Debreczeni at five-eighth, the Chiefs made the most of their opportunities with their first two tries coming off ineffectual Quade Cooper kicks.
Debreczeni collected the kick inside the 22 and ran through a hole with the Chiefs combining before skipper Sam Cane sealed the deal.
Their second try came after Cooper attempted to stab the ball through but it was charged down by centre Shaun Stevenson who galloped to the line for his first of three tries.
The visitors delivered a killer blow after the halftime hooter when a loose pass by Reece Hodge was scooped up by Stevenson and he off-loaded to Lachlan Boshier for a 21-3 scoreline.
Melbourne's hopes weren't helped by losing Marika Koroibete in the 10th minute when the Test winger was knocked out cold while trying to tackle Stevenson.
Their chances of mounting a second half challenge were crushed early when the Chiefs crossed after two minutes through winger Sean Wainui.
The floodgates then opened with centre Anton Lienert-Brown, who was one of his team's best, scoring amongst his team's haul of nine.
Melbourne's solitary try was scored by hard-working lock Matt Philip but the home crowd had to wait until the 67th minute to have anything to cheer about.
AAP.
