Melbourne Rebels handed horror early 2017 Super Rugby draw

Rebels face three New Zealand semi-finalists in opening roundsWaratahs and Brumbies to meet just once during regular seasonRecent Australian Super Rugby heavyweights the Brumbies and Waratahs will meet just once in next year’s regular season, while Melbourne have been handed the first game and the toughest early draw.The Rebels host the opening game of the season at AAMI Park on Thursday February 23 against the Blues, but meet New Zealand’s three 2016 semi-finalists in the first six rounds and have their two byes by round seven. Related: Maranta 'worst signing I have ever seen', says former Wa…