Super Rugby: Rebels 20-56 Force
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 29/05/16 11:32am
Powerful winger Sefanaia Naivalu scored two tries to get the Melbourne Rebels home 27-22 in a closely-fought Australian Super Rugby derby with Western Force.
The Fijian right-winger sealed the Rebels' win when he hurtled through two tackles off a Nic Stirzaker reverse pass to plant the ball one-handed over the try-line with 14 minutes left.
Naivalu scored his earlier try just after half-time to take his season tally to eight.
The Rebels outscored the Force by four tries to three and have a 6-6 record. But they are seven points behind the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs in the Australian conference, with little hope of forcing their way into the end-of-season play-offs.
The Rebels have now won four of their six home games against the Perth-based Force.
Melbourne led 10-8 at half-time after a try from Reece Hodge, but lost back Mike Harris - a Wallabies squad member for the forthcoming England series - with a hamstring injury early in the half.
Naivalu's two tries and another by lock Lopeti Timani brought the Rebels a 27-15 lead with 14 minutes left.
But the Force gave themselves a chance with winger Luke Morahan's second try when eight minutes remained, only for the Rebels to hold on to their win.
The loss was Force's 11th of the season, putting further pressure on embattled coach Michael Foley.
