WELLINGTON - The Wellington Hurricanes overcame a slow start to beat the Melbourne Rebels 47-20 in their quarter-final on Saturday, with the Australian team farewelling Super Rugby in fighting fashion.
The match, pitting the top-qualifying Hurricanes at home against the eighth-ranked Melbourne, was expected to be one-sided but the Rebels were competitive in what was the last match in their 14th and final season.
The debt-laden Rebels won't return next year after Rugby Australia decided to shut down the club, which went into administration in January owing almost Aus$23 million (US$15 million).
The Rebels kept the in-form Hurricanes scoreless for the first 25 minutes and only trailed 14-6 at the interval after conceding tries to prop Pasilio Tosi and winger Josh Moorby late in the opening half.
The home side took control of the contest after the resumption through tries to forwards Braydon Iose, Asafo Aumua and Devan Flanders.
Melbourne breathed life into the contest when winger Lachie Anderson crossed twice in quick succession following slick attacking forays.
However, they couldn't score again and the Hurricanes crossed late through Du'Plessis Kirifi and Kini Naholo.
The Hurricanes' fine season under new coach Clark Laidlaw will continue next week with a home semi-final.
Melbourne captain Rob Leota was disappointed with the outcome but said he was proud they'd become the first Rebels side to reach the play-offs in a full Super Rugby season.
"It was our goal from the start of the year to be the greatest Rebels team ever," he said.
"We had high hopes to go further but you can't give opportunities to a team like the Hurricanes.
"For this club, we hope we did everyone proud and hopefully we can see this team come back in the next couple of years."
Hurricanes back Jordie Barrett, whose linebreaks created two of his team's seven tries, paid tribute to the Rebels.
"I want to acknowledge the Rebels as a franchise," he said.
"Since joining Super Rugby, they've always been a joy to play against -- players, staff and fans.
"So I wish all of them all the best in whatever direction they go."