Blues stay in touch with Super Rugby leaders after victory over Rebels

The Blues earned a 38-11 extra-point victory over the Rebels in Melbourne.

The result kept the Blues just one point behind Super Rugby Pacific leaders the Hurricanes, who beat the Waratahs 41-12 on Friday.

It was a torrid first half, with the Blues leading 12-11 at the break.

However, the visitors won the game in the last quarter to get the maximum points.

Lock Sam Darry came on and scored a brace to ruin the score, and the Blues survived a yellow card from Harry Plummer.

The class difference proved far greater than the standings might suggest, with the Blues running five tries to one, with All Blacks winger Mark Tele’a also finishing with a brace.

Overall, the Rebels matched the Blues and judging by the stats midway through the second half, they should have been ahead.

But the visitors’ ability to capitalize on their opportunities and a rock-solid defense made the difference, ultimately achieving a convincing victory, helped by two late tries.

The Blues lost defender Rieko Ioane to a clash of heads just before half-time.

Melbourne lost both centre-backs David Feliuai (head) and Matt Proctor (head) at the same time, with both leaving after 30 minutes.

As the Rebels repeatedly hit the Blues’ try line and came up empty-handed, the Aucklanders claimed four tries, with Darry’s double in the 74th and 77th minutes.

The Blues and Hurricanes will meet at Eden Park next weekend.