Meakes' double leads Rebels to 10-20 win over Blues

Blues 10-20 Rebels, Eden Park
Scorecard

Bill Meakes scored a double as Rebels stretched their winning streak to three games following their 10-20 victory over Blues in their Super Rugby encounter at Eden Park on Saturday.

This was also Rebels' second every win in New Zealand as they consolidated their second position in Australian Conference while Blues continue to languish at the bottom of New Zealand group.

Stephen Perofeta got Blues off the mark with a sixth-minute penalty but a well-timed pass from Michael Ruru sent Meakes over the line in the 13th minute and a conversion from Hodge took them to a 3-7 lead.

Rebels thought they increased their lead further when Ruru crossed over but replays showed Augustine Pulu had held him just before the try line. The visitors suffered another setback when Colby Fainga’a dotted down but was disallowed once again as the flanker played the ball from an offside position after a knock on from Marika Koroibete in the build-up.

The momentum shifted towards the home side when Terrence Hepetema crashed from close range and Perofeta converted it as they claimed a three point lead but at the stroke of half time, Dane Haylett-Petty once again restored two point lead for Rebels with a try in the 39th minute.

Rebels extended the momentum into the second half with Meakes riding on an offload from Koroibete scored his second and stretched the gap to seven points. As Blues were unable to add any further point, Hodge kicked his first penalty game from 48 metres in the 59th minute as Rebels completed a 10-20 victory.

HIGHLIGHTS: 2018 Super Rugby Week 16: Blues vs Rebels@BluesRugbyTeam v @MelbourneRebels #SuperRugby #Highlights #BLUvREB #NeverBackDown pic.twitter.com/DFQ6xeYqt7

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) June 2, 2018