MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Melbourne Rebels overcame a slow start to beat the Western Force 30-23 in the opening match of Super 15 rugby on Friday.

The Force took advantage of Rebel flanker Scott Higginbotham's yellow card for retaliation to lead 11-0 and were still up by a point at halftime.

The Force shunned a penalty at the start of the new half to go for a try but turned over possession and the Rebels countered with lock Hugh Pyle crossing for their first lead. They didn't lose it.

O'Connor booted the Rebels to 20-16 with a quarter left when the Force's momentum was undermined by the rapid-fire sin-binnings of their flanker Chris Alcock and scrumhalf Alby Mathewson. The Rebels took advantage with a try wide out to left wing Richard Kingi for 25-16.

The Force did well to score against the run of play through replacement Richard Brown but O'Connor's late third penalty made it safe for the home side.

"We're delighted to get a win and get on the board against a very tough Force side," Rebels captain Gareth Delve said.

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Melbourne Rebels 30 (Ged Robinson, Hugh Pyle, Richard Kingi tries; James O'Connor 3 conversions, 3 penalties), Western Force 23 (Alfie Mafi 2, Richard Brown tries; Kyle Godwin conversion, 2 penalties). HT: 10-11