The Rebels remain on course to make the Super Rugby finals for the first time in their history, though a resounding victory over the Sunwolves may have come at a cost.

Marika Koroibete and Jack Maddocks both crossed twice as the red-hot Rebels trounced their opponents 52-7 in Tokyo, their biggest ever away win moving them to within a point of Australian Conference leaders the Brumbies.

They next face the Waratahs – who lost to the Jaguares on Saturday – but may be without Will Genia for that contest, the Australia scrum-half forced off early in the second half with a head injury.

Unlike their upcoming opponents, Waratahs' push to make the play-offs is in serious danger of falling short after they were beaten at home.

A try in each half from Ramiro Moyano helped Jaguares come out on top 23-15 in Sydney, as they claimed a second successive away victory to move up to second in the overall standings.

The Crusaders remain the runaway leaders, however, after they made it 10 wins for the season by beating the Blues 19-11 in Christchurch.

Richie Mo'unga starred in the hard-fought victory, the fly-half kicking four penalties and also converting Bryn Hall's try after producing a deft kick to set up his team-mate in the 20th minute.

Blues barely threatened outside of two Harry Plummer penalties until grabbing a late consolation try through Rieko Ioane.