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Melbourne’s nightmare start to the Super Rugby season has continued with a humiliating 71-6 loss to defending champions the Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Rebels were unable to get across the scoreline while the home side seemingly scored at will, touching down 11 times.
After an embarrassing opening defeat by the Blues, the Rebels vowed to deliver an improved performance in their second match.
For the first 15 minutes they were true to their word, dominating play and taking a 6-0 lead through two penalty kicks by centre Reece Hodge – one from 50m out.
But the sleepy Hurricanes, led by 2016 IRB player of the year Beauden Barrett, soon came to life.
By halftime the home side turned the six-point deficit into a 31-6 lead, scoring five tries.
Playing his first Super Rugby match in 12 months following shoulder surgery, All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder opened the scoring in the 17th minute, when Barrett drew worked a play from a five metre lineout and drew the defence before he turned the ball back inside to his charging fullback.
Milner-Skudder finished the match with a hat-trick, collecting a further two in the final 10 minutes.
Winger Vince Aso also scored twice in the opening half with his second particularly painful for the Rebels, who turned down a penalty goal from straight in front and then turned over the ball two minutes later with Aso making an 80m dash to the line.
In the second half the scoreboard continued to tick over with the Hurricanes making the Rebels pay each time they coughed up possession.
They had too much skill and speed out wide and the willingness to get the ball there at every opportunity.
Melbourne Storm recruit Marika Koroibete had a few carries through the game but couldn’t make an impact with his side hopelessly outclassed.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.