The Blues kicked off the 2017 Super Rugby season with a seven‑try bonus‑point 56-18 win in Melbourne against the Rebels.
Rieko Ioane scored a hat‑trick and Ihaia West kicked 18 points as the Blues recorded their first win at AAMI Park.
Pauliasi Manu, Matt Duffie, Augustine Pulu and Melani Nanai also crossed for the visitors in the seven‑try victory at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
The Blues lead 25‑15 at the break.
Final score Melbourne Rebels 18 Blues 56
Scorers
- Melbourne Rebels
Tries – Stirzaker, Garden‑Bachop
Pen – Hodge (2)
Con – Garden‑Bachop
Drop –
Cards –
- Blues
Tries – Manu, Duffie, Ioane (3), Pulu, Nanai
Pen – West (2)
Con – West (6)
Drop –
Card – Yellow, Ranger
Next week the Rebels travel to Wellington to face Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes while the Blues take on the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Highlanders will meet the Chiefs at 6.35 tonight while the Reds play the Sharks at 9 tonight.
The Hurricanes play the Sunwolves at 4.15pm tomorrow, the Crusaders take on the Brumbies at 6.35pm while the Waratahs play the Force at 8.45 tomorrow.
Source: Superxv
