The Highlanders have scored a bonus point win and brought the Rebels down to earth with a 40-18 Super Rugby thumping in Melbourne.
The Highlanders, who hadn't won in Australia in their last six attempts, came out of the blocks firing and completely dominated the Rebels in most facets of the game.
The men from the deep south suffered an early blow when they lost five-eighth Colin Slade four minutes into the match with a cut head and season-ending jaw injury.
The New Zealanders weren't flustered but his replacement Robbie Robinson could only manage to kick four goals from 11 attempts.
However scoring six tries, it didn't matter.
The Highlanders had a 22-6 lead at the break thanks to tries by Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai and Siale Piatau, whose effort came in the final minute of the half.
Both Piatau and Thomson again crossed in the second half, the latter diving over in the corner with 10 minutes remaining after a burst from the halfway line.
Veteran Rebels prop Greg Somerville barrelled over for a try in the 78th minute but there was little else for the crowd of 18,739 to cheer about.
