Rebels rue slow start

The Rebels were left to rue a slow start, as they were edged out 18-16 by the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.

The home side retained the Weary Dunlop Shield in Round 11 of the Super Rugby competition.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said his team's slow start, when they went 0-13 behind inside the first quarter, was the decisive factor in the result.

"We were very disappointed that we gave them so many opportunities in the opening half," McGahan said.

"That is uncharacteristic of how we play, and what we are capable of.

"Good opposition will always take advantage if your defending isn't good enough.

"I thought that to the boys' credit, they turned up in the second half determined to make amends for that, after we were fortunate to be only 10 points down [3-13] at the break.

"We are disappointed, as we came here to get the result, but we will take confidence from the way in which we responded to a poor beginning against last season's champion side on their home turf."

McGahan also paid credit to his young halves combination of Nic Stirzaker (No.9) and Jack Debreczeni (No.10), who performed strongly against Wallaby incumbents Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley.

"As a franchise, we have backed Nic and Jack since right back at the beginning of pre-season," the coach said.

"We believe in their ability and their potential to grow," McGahan added.

"I thought that both of them again stood up and did well tonight, and it is pleasing to see them continuing to get better as we know just how hard they are working to improve."

The Rebels return to Melbourne next Saturday for the first time since Good Friday, hosting the 2012 and 2013 champion Chiefs.