The Crusaders had to come from behind to beat the Rebels 30-26 after the Rebels took the lead with a second half surge in Christchurch yesterday.

The victory is the Crusaders first victory over the Rebels as they upset the seven time champions 28-19 last year in Melbourne.  

The Rebels outscored the Crusaders by three tries to two so the home side had to rely on Tom Taylor's boot as he kicked six penalties and converted one of their tries.

The Crusaders scored the opening try by Zac Guildford after two minutes of Rebels attack and then ten minutes later Tyler Bleyendaal went over for the Crusaders second try.

Having conceded two early tries the Rebels looked to be headed for a hiding but they fought their way back into the match and trailed 18-11 at half time.

The Rebels then scored two tries in succession ten minutes after the break and took the lead.

Tom Taylor's boot and Crusaders scrum then proved the decisive difference as the Rebels conceded several penalties allowing the home side to take the lead.

The win lifted the seven time champions to seventh on the table, but it was not a performance they were happy with against a team languishing near the bottom of the championship.

Meanwhile, the Brumbies extend their lead at the top of the table with 40 points, the Chiefs are second with 35 points while the Bulls are third with 32 points.

This Friday the Blues will host the Stormers at 7:35pm while the Chiefs meet the Rebels at 9:40pm.

Story by: Vijay Narayan