Rebels losing streak continues as Highlanders register 51-12 win

Highlanders 51-12 Rebels, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Scorecard

Malakai Fekitoa scored a double as Highlanders came up with a six-try performance to win their Super Rugby encounter against Rebels by 51-12 at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.

Fekitoa (11') and Luke Whitelock (16') were the try scorers for Highlanders in the first half while fly-half Marty Banks added a penalty on either side and also converted the tries to take them to 20 points while Rebels did not manage to add a point before half-time.

Banks extended the lead to 23 points with a penalty in the start of the second half and it took 51 minutes for Rebels to get their first point on board when Tom English crossed over.

However, Richard Buckman (57), Gareth Evans (61), Fekita (70') and Greg Pleasants-Tate (80) all went past the line for Highlanders in the second half with Banks adding extras on three occasions while Fletcher Smith converted the final try to take the home side past the 50 point mark.

Even though, Reece Hodge scored a 77th minute try for the visitors, they succumbed to a 39 point defeat.

The result also meant Rebels have lost all five games this season and are languishing at the bottom of Australian group while Highlanders with their third win are fourth in New Zealand conference.