Crusaders beat Rebels 30-26 in Super Rugby
Taylor kicked three goals in the last 17 minutes.
CHRISTCHURCH (AP) - Crusaders fullback Tom Taylor scored 20 points from a conversion and six penalties to lift the hosts to a 30-26 win over the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby on Sunday.
The Crusaders started well with two tries from Melbourne turnovers to take an early 12-0 lead before the Rebels hit back with some fluent rugby.
The Rebels James O Connor started and finished a sprawling attacking movement to score one of the tries of the season in the 51st minute, closing the gap on the Crusaders to 21-19. Hooker Jed Robinson then scored from a brilliantly-executed set piece at a lineout and O Connor converted from the sideline to give the Rebels their first lead of the match with 24 minutes remaining.
But the Crusaders, who had been rattled by the Rebels physical style and who had struggled to play in the face of a strong wind in the second half, regrouped and regained the lead with a series of late penalties. Taylor kicked three goals in the last 17 minutes to put the home team in front and they were able to hold on under pressure to their brittle four-point margin.
