Melbourne's nightmare start to the Super Rugby season has continued with a humiliating 71-6 loss to defending champions the Hurricanes in Wellington.

The Rebels were unable to get across the tryline while the home side seemingly scored at will, touching down 11 times.

Following a heavy 56-18 loss to the Blues at home last Thursday night, Melbourne have now conceded 127 points in the opening two rounds in their worst possible start.

Rebels captain Nic Stirzaker said there was little to like about his team's showing.

"It was a pretty bad performance in all facets of the game - set piece, turnover attack and just about everything," Stirzaker said.

"That transition off turnovers; they caught us early and once they got a couple of tries their tails were up and it was all over from there."

After an embarrassing opening defeat to the Blues, the Rebels vowed to deliver an improved performance.

For the first 15 minutes they were true to their word, dominating play and taking a 6-0 lead through two penalty kicks by centre Reece Hodge - one from 50m out.

But the sleepy Hurricanes, led by 2016 IRB player of the year Beauden Barrett, soon came to life.

By halftime the home side turned the six-point deficit into a 31-6 lead, scoring five tries.

Playing his first Super Rugby match in 12 months following shoulder surgery, All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Barrett worked a play from a five-metre lineout and drew the defence before he turned the ball back inside to his charging fullback.

Milner-Skudder finished the match with a hat-trick, collecting a further two tries in the final 10 minutes.

Winger Vince Aso also scored twice in the opening half with his second particularly painful for the Rebels, who turned down a penalty goal from straight in front and then turned over the ball two minutes later with Aso making an 80m dash to the line.

In the second half the scoreboard continued to tick over with the Hurricanes making the Rebels pay each time they coughed up possession.

They had too much skill and speed out wide and the willingness to get the ball there at every opportunity.

Melbourne Storm recruit Marika Koroibete had a few carries through the game but got caught out in defence a few times and struggled to make an impact with his side hopelessly outclassed.

The Rebels also started well against the Blues before falling away and Stirzaker said they needed to work out why they couldn't carry that form for the 80 minutes.

With a bye next week, the halfback predicted they would be in for a torrid time on the training track.

"I dare say we will get flogged," he said.