Melbourne did the same against the Waratahs in round five and Hurricanes in their last outing, prompting questions about their title credentials.
It looked like superstar Melbourne halfback Will Genia had done enough to orchestrate an important win, with two breaks setting up a try in each half. But Genia was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury straight after the second, scored by fullback Dane Haylett-Petty in the 49th minute, with momentum shifting against the home side.
Sebastian Canelliere crossed and the Jaguares took advantage of the Rebels, losing prop Tetera Faulkner to a yellow card, with their other wing Ramiro Moyano bouncing off the Melbourne defence to cross.
Adding in an earlier penalty strike by Argentine first five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez, the lead was closed to just one point. Although Melbourne first five-eighths Jack Debreczeni slotted a long-range goal to extend that to four, the Jaguares continued to pile on the pressure.
The Rebels eventually cracked in the 73rd minute, with their defence caught short and Pumas test playmaker Sanchez finding Olympic sevens player Bautista Ezcurra.
With Sanchez adding the extras, that gave the visitors the three-point lead and, despite Melbourne's best efforts, the Argentines' defence stood firm.
The Rebels are now off to South Africa, while the Jaguares next play the Brumbies in Canberra.
- AAP
