Julian Savea stars as Hurricanes beat Blues

Julian Savea scored twice as Hurricanes maintained their unbeaten record in Super Rugby with 30-23 win over Blues on Thursday.

The wing's second-half brace settled a back-and-forth encounter in Palmerston North to make it four wins from four for Hurricanes.

Savea powered over out wide in the 48th minute to give Hurricanes a 25-20 lead and, after Ihaia West's penalty had cut the gap to two points, finished off a fine team move five minutes from time to make sure of the points.

Meanwhile in Perth a late push from Force fell short as Rebels earned a second success of the season with a 21-17 victory.

Full-back Mike Harris scored 16 points for Rebels, but the visitors were forced to endure a nervous finish as Force rallied.

Prop Tetera Faulkner's try cut the gap to four points with six minutes remaining, however, the Rebels defence held firm to secure triumph.