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The Melbourne Rebels have claimed Super Rugby’s top spot after dismantling the Sharks 46-14 at AAMI Park.
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The defeat is the Sharks’ second consecutive loss on their Australasia tour this season. Thus far, the Sharks have only managed to produce a solitary win – which was a 50-12 win over the Sunwolves in week four.
The Rebels were back in fine form after wilting in searing temperatures in Sydney just five days prior, as they let slip a 20-3 lead to lose 51-27 against the Waratahs.
But there was no second-half fade-out for the Rebels this week, as they registered their biggest winning margin and collected their fourth bonus point win of the season.
Not only did the 32-point win extend the Rebels lead in the Australian conference, but it also lifted the Melbourne side above the Lions on top of the standings.
Melbourne were in the early ascendancy and led 15-7 at halftime as the Sharks lost fullback Curwin Bosch to a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown to deny the Rebels a try.
But the Sharks held firm while Bosch was off the field and scored a try of their own after some excellent support play set up winger Lwazi Mvovo to barrel over.
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Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia darted over from the back of a ruck to initiate a run of second-half tries for the Rebels
Centre Billy Meakes, lock Ross Haylett-Petty and reserve prop Fereti Sa’aga added further tries, while centre Marius Louw scored a consolation try for the Sharks, who finish win-less in their Australian tour.
REBELS 46 (Rangi, Mafi, Genia, Meakes, Haylett-Petty, Sa’aga tries, Debreczeni 4 cons, pen, Hodge con, pen) SHARKS 14 (Mvovo, Louw tries, Du Preez con, Bosch con) HT 15-7
