Reds pay price for yellows after Barrett brothers sink Blues

The Reds were punished for a lack of discipline as they missed out on the chance to move top of Super Rugby’s Australian Conference courtesy of a 30-24 defeat to the Rebels at AAMI Park.

Victory for Brad Thorn’s men in Melbourne would have seen them replace the Rebels at the top of the standings, but the visitors were out-scored four tries to two on Friday.

Marika Koroibete and Tetera Faulkner’s scores both came with the Reds down to 14, after Samu Kerevi was sin-binned for tackling Will Genia in the air and Scott Higginbotham picked up a yellow card following a succession of infringements.

Anaru Rangi and Dane Haylett-Petty also went over for the Rebels, with Isaac Lucas and Harry Hoopert replying.

The Rebels now lead the Australian Conference by four points from the Brumbies, while the Reds remain third. They at least had the consolation of claiming a losing bonus point courtesy of a late Bryce Hegarty penalty.

FULL TIME | The Rebels sink Thorn’s Reds at home! Get back down to AAMI Park next Friday when we take on the Bulls! pic.twitter.com/jMmppiWQbr

— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) May 10, 2019

At Eden Park, the Blues dominated possession and territory against the Hurricanes but still suffered a 22-12 defeat.

Jordie and Beauden Barrett claimed tries for the Hurricanes, who also had Ben Lam go over, and remain second in the New Zealand Conference, with scores from Sam Nock and Dalton Papalii in vain for the Blues.

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