Super Rugby: Blues 36-30 Rebels
By Ben Reynolds
Last Updated: 30/04/16 10:01am
James Parsons marked his promotion to skipper of the Blues by leading his side to a thrilling 36-30 victory over the Melbourne Rebels.
The Blues outscored their Australian opponents by six tries to four, but were given a fright in the closing stages as the Rebels rallied with two late tries to eat into their 18-point deficit.
They then almost claimed a potential match-winning third only to be penalised in a line-out drive on the tryline.
"My heart's still racing. Obviously we didn't close it out as we would have liked," said a relieved Parsons at full-time.
"We will take confidence from this. We didn't finish well but there were some good things and we're excited for the trip to Africa."
The Blues, who won their fourth game in eight, remain bottom of the New Zealand conference and next head to South Africa to play Southern Kinds and Golden Lions.
It had been a difficult start for Parsons as he gifted the Rebels their first eight points, first with a wayward pass that allowed Reece Hodge to gather and score before giving away a penalty that was converted by Jack Debreczeni.
But he warmed to his task and set about making amends by crashing over from close range for the Blues' first try to spark the home side into life.
Jerome Kaino, who relinquished the captaincy during the week, Charlie Faumuina and Ihaia West all then scored as the Blues piled on 24 points in a 16-minute burst in which the Rebels managed only one more Debreczeni penalty.
West's try stunned the Rebels, as he scored straight from the restart following Debreczeni's second penalty.
After back-rower Steven Luatua recovered the kick-off, he fed Patrick Tuipulotu who carried the ball up to the line for West to finish off the move.
The Rebels hit back though, with Jordy Reid crossing from a line-out drive on the stroke of half-time to reduce the gap to 24-18 at the break only for the Blues to extend their lead at the start of the second-half.
Tevita Li and Lolagi Visinia both crossed in quick succession to lift the Blues to 36-18 with nearly half an hour remaining.
But they could not hold their dominance, allowing the Rebels to surge back in the closing 15 minutes with tries from Colby Fainga'a and Sefanaia Naivalu ensuring the visitors at least finished with a bonus point.
