It might have taken more than 1000 days but it has ben worth the wait for the Melbourne Rebels, stopping the Blues 20-10 in Auckland to keep their Super Rugby finals hopes on track.

No Australian Super Rugby side had won in New Zealand for more than three years - with 32-straight losses - but the Rebels' breakthrough couldn't have come at a better time.

"We are three on the trot and, to win in New Zealand, is pretty special so it's the cherry on the cake for this part of the season," said Melbourne coach Dave Wessels.

"It's definitely not an easy place to come and win and it's come on the back of everyone buying in."

They went into the match against the bottom-ranked Kiwi side one point behind Australian conference leaders the NSW Waratahs. With tough matches to follow after the international break, the Rebels had targeted Saturday's match as must-win.

They missed the chance in the 77th minute to secure a bonus point for a fourth try when the television match official ruled Marika Koroibete's foot had gone into touch just before grounding the ball.

In another blow, hooker Jordan Uelese was assisted from the field midway through the second half with a knee injury that makes him unlikely to play in the Wallabies' opening Test next Saturday against Ireland.

The Rebels only led 12-10 at halftime, despite dominating the opening 40 minutes, with two tries going begging.

Halfback Michael Ruru was held up over the line, while Colby Fainga'a had a try disallowed due to an earlier knock-on.

The Blues' only try was scored off a kick charge-down, with Terrence Hepetema, who replaced injured All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams, collecting the spoils.

Wallabies back Dane Haylett-Petty snatched the lead in the 39th minute when Melbourne sent quick ball through the hands for the fullback to finish.

In a bright sign for the Wallabies, Haylett-Petty looked back to his best after a troubling period with concussion and neck problems, also setting up a try straight after halftime.

He kicked through, with the ball sitting up for Koroibete, who offloaded for centre Billy Meakes to collect his second of the match.

Wessels said the form of Wallabies squad member Meakes was a barometer for the squad.

"Bill's indicative of the mindset of the rest of the team," Wessels said.

"He struggled through the middle part of the year and had some honest conversations with us and he's worked incredibly hard to get himself back into form and so it's just reward for him.

"He's reflective of the team of a whole so I'm really pleased for him."

That put the lead out to 17-10 and the Rebels played smart rugby and continued to control the match, while little went right for the Blues who remained winless at home.