Rebels hitting new high

Ackermann said.

In Cape Town the Stormers will also have a tough battle against the Brumbies at Newlands.

After suffering a surprise 25-17 defeat to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last weekend, Allister Coetzee’s side will also want to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd at Newlands Stadium.

The visiting Brumbies will also want to turn around their 10-13 loss to the Waratahs last week.

The Bulls and Cheetahs get byes this weekend. The Pretoria side will be leaving for their Australasian tour on Monday. THE Melbourne Rebels claimed a season-high sixth victory with a 42-22 Super Rugby win over the Auckland Blues in Melbourne yesterday.

The improving Rebels maintained their charge to the playoffs with a bonus-point five tries to three win over the Blues to lie just outside the topsix playoff positions.

It was also a record night for the Rebels’ skipper Scott Higginbotham, whose 30th career try is the most by any forward in Super Rugby history.

Mike Harris kicked four conversions and three penalty goals.

The Rebels, who upset two-time winners Waikato Chiefs 16-15 at home last week, completed another Kiwi scalp with their thorough win over the Blues.

Melbourne led 18-10 at half-time and only led 1817 early in the second half before pulling away from the Blues with three converted tries.

The Rebels, coached by Tony McGahan, also showed their growing depth of talent with Colby Fainga’a, who was brilliant in attack and defence. — AFP