HIGHLIGHTS-Rugby-Super Rugby week 16

Highlights from Super Rugby week 16 matches: REBELS 15 WARATAHS 20

The New South Wales Waratahs defended grimly to claim an attritional win away to the Melbourne Rebels on Friday and keep their slim hopes of reaching the Super Rugby playoffs alive. Centre Adam Ashley-Cooper and winger Curtis Rona scored the tries for the Waratahs, who held firm despite the Rebels spending much of the second half camped deep in their territory.

Despite the loss, the Rebels grabbed a bonus point to move to the top spot of the Australian conference but can give it straight back to the ACT Brumbies who play the Sunwolves on Saturday. The third-placed Waratahs moved up to 30 points, four behind the Rebels and the Brumbies.

The Rebels pulled within five points after Will Genia scored their second try in the 59th minute but the home side ended up frustrated on a damp night at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. READ MORE

Jantjies dropped from Lions for indiscipline Kolisi out for rest of Super Rugby season

Former coach Brown returning to Highlanders Hurricanes welcome back Coles for Sharks

Vermeulen joins Pollard on sidelines Skelton still looking to play in World Cup

Hunt doubtful for World Cup after knee injury Dominant Crusaders to get a boost for playoffs

BLUES 22 BULLS 22 Flyhalf Harry Plummer missed a penalty goal attempt from a tough angle as the Auckland Blues were held to a nerve-jangling draw by an undermanned Bulls side at Eden Park on Friday.

The result all but ends the Blues' faint hopes of a spot in the playoffs with two rounds left after the weekend. The Bulls, missing Duane Vermeulen and Handre Pollard, were dragged back into the game by flyhalf Manie Libbok who grabbed their third try with five minutes left and converted it to level the score.

The Bulls kept their playoffs hopes alive as they leapfrogged the Sharks into second place in the South African conference with 34 points, two points behind the leading Jaguares.