HIGHLIGHTS-Rugby-Super Rugby week 16

Highlights from Super Rugby week 16 matches: SUNWOLVES 19 ACT BRUMBIES 42

The Brumbies ran in six tries to secure top spot in the Australian conference and condemn the Sunwolves to defeat in their final home match of the Super Rugby season. Replacement hooker Connal McInerney grabbed a hat-trick of tries off the back of the rolling maul while number eight Pete Samu, centre Irae Simone and fullback Tom Banks also crossed for the visitors.

The bonus point win put the Brumbies five points clear of the Rebels at the top of the conference with two matches of the regular season remaining, while the Sunwolves are rock bottom of the standings with two wins from 14 matches. Winger Hosea Saumaki scored the opening try for the Sunwolves in the first minute, fullback Semisi Masirewa crossed with a brilliant individual effort and scrumhalf Jamie Booth also nabbed a five-pointer for the home side.

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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.

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.