Former scaffolder Anaru Rangi has helped lay the platform for the Melbourne Rebels' 46-14 win over the Sharks, scoring two tries in their Super Rugby clash on Friday night.

The 29-year-old hooker, who only earned his first professional rugby contract in 2016, reaped the rewards of a dominant forward display at AAMI Park to help the rampant Rebels return to the winners' circle following last round's disappointment against the Waratahs.

Rangi only started due to an injury to regular hooker Jordan Uelese and made the most of his opportunities, with this double the first tries of his Super Rugby career which started at the Western Force.

Both came from rolling mauls as the Melbourne forwards stood up against the Durban-based Sharks, while their backs ate up the metres in the six tries-to-two bonus point win.

Melbourne started with a bang and led 15-7 at halftime but should have been further ahead after bombing three tries. The Sharks' sole first-half try came after some excellent support play set up winger Lwazi Mvovo to barrel over the line.

The Rebels were also unable to take advantage of a yellow card to Sharks fullback Curwin Bosch for a deliberate knockdown, which saw another try go begging. They held 63 per cent of possession, forcing their opponents to make 71 tackles to their own 29.

The frustration continued in the second half with winger Sefa Naivalu, trying to pass off to Marika Koroibete as he crossed the tryline with the ball instead finding a Sharks player. Melbourne coach Dave Wessels got some relief in the 56th minute when Test halfback Will Genia scored his first try, darting over from the back of a ruck.

Centre Billy Meakes, who was one of the home side's stars, then put them in bonus-point territory when he planted the ball at the end of some frenetic attack. Rebels lock Ross Haylett-Petty and reserve prop Fereti Sa'aga added to the try-scoring haul, while centre Marius Louw earned a consolation try for the Sharks, who finish winless in their Australian tour.