Rebels left licking their wounds

Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan said that his team had let the franchise down in their 46-7 capitulation to the Western Force on Saturday.

McGahan had made six changes to the team that beat the Cheetahs in their season-opener, but it backfired badly as the Force raced out to a 32-0 lead to secure the bonus point before half-time.

However, the coach said that the whole squad should shoulder the blame for what was an uninspired performance in Perth.

"It's a big learning curve for all of us. We're all responsible for the result.

"We let down the club," he told AAP.

The Force celebrated skipper Matt Hodgson's 100th Super Rugby cap in style as they stormed to their first victory of the season.

McGahan said that he may have to make wholesale changes once more ahead of their clash with the Crusaders next week, as the confidence of the players would have taken a big knock in Perth.

"To be honest, I don't know if there was anyone out there who could walk away with any shred of confidence," McGahan said.

Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham added that his team could expect a "kick up the ass" this week.