Waratahs blitz Rebels after scoring 38 unanswered points

The Waratahs produced a scintillating second-half performance to trounce the Rebels 51-27 in Super Rugby action on Sunday.

Hosts the Waratahs trailed their Australian rivals 20-10 at half-time before scoring 38 unanswered points to crush the previously unbeaten Rebels at Allianz Stadium.

Taqele Naiyaravoro scored two tries, while Wallabies star Israel Folau led the way to help revive the Waratahs' season after a two-game winless streak.

It was a tale of two halves in Sydney, where the Rebels took control in sweltering conditions – moving 20-3 clear – thanks to tries from Tom English, Amanaki Mafi and Jack Maddocks.

The Waratahs managed to cross over via Lalakai Foketi a minute before the break and that triggered what was to come in the second 40 minutes.

Daryl Gibson's Waratahs piled on five unanswered tries in 20 minutes to stun the Rebels – Folau assisting Rob Simmons, Bryce Hegarty and Naiyaravoro, while debutant Mitch Short was also among the try scorers.

The Waratahs remain third but they are only five points adrift of Australian Conference leaders the Rebels, while the second-placed Reds are two points clear.