Barrett sinks boot into Rebels

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MELBOURNE's flickering finals hopes have been all but snuffed out by the mercurial Hurricanes, tumbling to a 25-15 defeat to Super Rugby's most unpredictable and dangerous outfit.

Stoic defence kept Melbourne in the contest for a half before the 'Canes edged clear, testing the Rebels with flair and aggression.

MATCH CENTRE: Full scores, stats, video highlights

Beauden Barrett's supreme kicking delivered 20 points, while Melbourne did well to restrict free-scoring opposition to Conrad Smith's fine second-half try.

Bryce Hegarty showcased his development with a deserved first-half try, while Tamati Ellsion punished his former club with an excellent late try.

The Rebels' underrated pack more than held its own — again — against vaunted opposition as Melbourne refused to yield.

Rebels halfback Luke Burgess hurdles Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

As willing as Melbourne was, it struggled to contain the Hurricanes' vast armoury of threats as Jason Woodward's usually reliable kicking deserted him.

The fullback landed only two of five goals, detracting from much of his stunning playmaking creativity.

Outgunned, Melbourne also found itself on the wrong side of the penalty count as second-game referee Matt O'Brien repeatedly left Rebels supporters bewildered — particularly in the opening stages of the second half.

At one stage, Melbourne was handed six penalties in succession as O'Brien struggled to exert authority on increasingly confused and frustrated players.

Ironically, All Black Smith was marched with 13 minutes to play after being warned by O'Brien that the visitors were constantly infringing.

Rebels flanker Colby Fainga'a makes a desperate tackle on Hurricanes No. 8 Victor Vito. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

Even more incredibly, the penalty tally ended at 12-11 in the Hurricanes' favour as Melbourne was belatedly rewarded for endeavour.

Discipline, however, remains an issue

"It's just penalties that are killing us at the moment," Scott Higginbotham said post-match.

"Our attack was good tonight, we were constantly on their tryline.

"It's frustrating."

Four of Barrett's penalty goals came in the first half as the Hurricanes dominated possession, patiently searching for holes in the Rebel defence.

Tony McGahan's men withstood the onslaught, snaring a deserved try when Bryce Hegarty and Jason Woodward combined with Luke Burgess to briefly claim the lead.

Bryce Hegarty dives over to score for the Rebels. Source: Getty Images

Defence was again Melbourne's signature strength, perfectly evidenced by Woodward's jolting try-saving tackle on Julian Savea.

Scott Fuglistaller epitomised Melbourne's commitment, tackling relentlessly against mountainous odds as fellow flanker Colby Fainga'a unleashed several cutting runs.

Trailing 10-12 at half-time, Melbourne clung grimly to hopes of an upset triumph.

If the first 40 minutes had been about gritty survival, the second half was brutal reality.

Barrett drilled a pair of penalties before Andre Taylor's stinging counter-attack eventually led to Smith swivelling over the tryline.

Melbourne drove forward repeatedly when down 25-10 and was denied a try when Tom English was held up over the chalk.

Ellison powered over minutes later, triggering a last-gasp flurry from the Rebels.

HURRICANES 25 (Conrad Smith try Beauden Barrett con 6 pens) bt MELBOURNE REBELS 15 (Tamati Ellison, Bryce Hegarty tries Jason Woodward con pen) at AAMI Park. Referee: Matt O'Brien. Crowd: 12,072.

Relive all the action from AAMI Park with our match blog below.

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