The Highlanders beat the Rebels 42-27

Jona Nareki scored a try for the Highlanders as they defeated the Melbourne Rebels 42-27 in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

The Highlanders took advantage of Rebels' sin-bin to claim victory but have missed out on a crucial bonus point.

Other tries for the Highlanders came from Michael Collins, Patelesio Tomkinson, and Josh Dickson.

Fiji born Marika Koroibete scored a double for the Rebels.

With the Highlanders missing out on bonus points, they are currently in fourth place on the points table with 13 points.

After Round 3 of the competition, the Blues and the Hurricanes have 15 points each but the Blues lead due to points differential.

The Crusaders are in third place with 14 points, the Chiefs in fifth place with 10 points while the Reds are in the sixth spot with 4 points.

This week, the Crusaders will take on the Western Force at 7.05pm Friday, the Reds will face the Blues at 9.45pm Friday, the Highlanders will play the Waratahs at 7.05pm Saturday, the Brumbies will meet the Hurricanes at 9.45pm Saturday and the Chiefs will host the Rebels at 3.30pm Sunday.