Melbourne Rebels Media Release - The Rebels came agonisingly close to their first win outside of Australia before going down 33-30 to the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Both sides scored three tries each in a high-scoring affair but the boot of Highlanders flyhalf Lima Sopoaga ultimately proved the difference, landing four penalties and three conversions for a personal tally of 18 points. After a free-flowing opening half hour, the match turned into a tense grind with a number of scrum penalties slowing the tempo. The Highlanders managed to hold the Rebels at arm's length during a tight second half though a late try to fullback Jason Woodward earned his side a bonus point. The loss of flyhalf Bryce Hegarty to concussion in the opening moments of the match forced an early