Sunwolves start their final Super Rugby season with 36-27 win over Rebels

Sunwolves 36-27 Rebels, Level5 Stadium
Scorecard

Sunwolves started their final season with a 36-27 victory in their Super Rugby clash against Melbourne Rebels at Level5 Stadium on Saturday.

The Japanese side were the quickest to score the points in the game when a combination of Rudy Paige and Siosaia Fifita sent Keisuke Moriya over the line in the ninth minute before Matt Toomua led Rebels' response with a penalty goal in the 15th minute.

As the final quarter was about to end, Jaba Bregvadze touched down that was improved by Garth April before Anaru Rangi's touchdown made the scoreline 12-8.

The trend continued as Tautalatasi Tasi and Dane Haylett-Petty traded tries but April's conversion and penalty goal ensured the home side had a lead of 22-3 at the end of the first half.

Sunwolves extended their momentum into the second half with tries from James Dargaville (42') and April (61') making the scoreline 36-13 before Rebels reduced their losing margin with Andrew Kellaway (65') and Andrew Deegan (76').

The second round will see Rebels taking on Brumbies on 7th February while Sunwolves' next encounter is against Chiefs on 15th February.