Cape Town - The Hurricanes underlined their title credentials with a dominant victory over the vastly-improved Rebels in their cross-Tasman Super Rugby clash in Melbourne on Friday.
As it happened: Rebels v Hurricanes
The Hurricanes won 50-19 after leading 25-19 at half-time.
The Hurricanes scored seven tries through wing Ben Lam (4), flyhalf Beauden Barrett, No 8 Gareth Evans and centre Ngani Laumape. Barrett added three conversions and three penalties for a personal haul of 20 points.
The Rebels replied with a single try by lock Matt Philip, while flyhalf Jack Debreczeni landed the conversion as well as four penalties.
The Hurricanes picked up a full-house of five points for their victory and moved to the top of the New Zealand Conference and into second place in the Overall standings.
The Rebels, who led 19-8 in the 30th minute, left empty-handed, but stayed top of both the Australian Conference and Overall log.
In next weekend's Round 8 action, the Hurricanes welcome the Sharks to Napier (Friday, April 6 at 09:35), while the Rebels have a bye.
Teams:
Rebels
15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Tom English, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Will Genia, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Angus Cottrell, 6 Lopeti Timani, 5 Adam Coleman (captain), 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Tetera Faulkner
Substitutes: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Colby Fainga’a, 21 Richard Hardwick, 22 Michael Ruru, 23 Sefa Naivalu
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Sam Henwood, 6 Brad Shields (captain), 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Ben May, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Chris Eves
Substitutes: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Fraser Armstrong, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Michael Fatialofa, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Wes Goosen
