Mark Tele'a of the Blues scores a try during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 11 match between the Melbourne Rebels and the Blues in Melbourne, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Blues scored a bonus point 38-11 win over the Rebels in Melbourne.
The result kept the Blues just a point behind the Super Rugby Pacific leaders the Hurricanes who beat the Waratahs 41-12 earlier on Friday.
It was a torrid first half with the Blues leading 12-11 at the break.
However the visitors raced away with the game in the last quarter to secure maximum points.
Lock Sam Darry came on and scored a double to blow out the scoreline, with the Blues surviving a yellow card to Harry Plummer.
The class difference proved far greater than the standings might suggest, with the Blues running in five tries to one, with All Black winger Mark Tele'a also finishing with a double.
For the most part the Rebels matched the Blues and judging by statistics midway through the second half, should have been on top.
But the visitors' ability to take advantage of their opportunities and some rock-solid defence proved the difference, delivering an emphatic win in the end, helped by two late tries.
The Blues lost Test back Rieko Ioane to a head clash just before the break.
Melbourne lost both centres David Feliuai (head) and Matt Proctor (head) at the same time, both leaving after 30 minutes.
While the Rebels repeatedly hammered the Blues' tryline and came up empty-handed, the Aucklanders ran in four tries, with Darry's double coming in the 74th and 77th minutes.
The Blues and Hurricanes clash at Eden Park next weekend.