Super Rugby Pacific Round 7 - Crusaders 29-45 Moana Pasifika - 29/03/2025.

Photo highlights from the Super Rugby Pacific Round 7 clash between table toppers Crusaders and Moana Pasifika which was played at the Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.

Led by inspirational captain Ardie Savea, Moana Pasifika stunned the high-flying Crusaders in what was an enthralling encounter in Christchurch.

Savea went onto score two of his team’s six tries in their remarkable 45-29 victory, only the second victory against a New Zealand based team other than the Hurricanes.

Few gave Moana a chance in a match which would have seen the men from the garden city take top spot however on a night where they missed the likes of captain David Havili, wing Sevu Reece and No 8 Christian Lio-Willie the reds struggled throughout large parts of the game as Moana finally put a team to the sword something they have threatened to do this season but have not had the consistency to complete the job.

Moana Pasifika bossed the Crusaders in the crucial areas of the pitch including the breakdown, which badly exposed the Crusaders defence, disrupted their lineout, and mostly kept the reds attacking game in check a remarkable achievement given the Crusaders attacking prowess which has seen them score 31 tries in five games this season.

Whilst the Crusaders briefly threatened to chase down the deficit to 31-22 when they scored twice in quick succession, they made far too many mistakes to really make Moana sweat as they continously coughed up points most notebly when Miracle Faiilagi did his best Ardie Savea impersonation, shrugging off three defenders and then proceeded to power over the line.

Savea scoring twice from close range in the first 17 minutes was perhaps the energizing boost the visitors needed however throughout the course of the night Moana looked hungrier than the hosts, feasting at the breakdown and winning numerous turnovers. The Crusaders looked rattled, struggling to exit their 22 into a stiff easterly breeze via the boot, while handling errors also proved costly.

Danny Toala's 25th minute try followed shortly after lock Jamie Hannah dropped a pass inside his own 22 epitomised the nights work for the men in red and black. Patrick Pellegrini also shone throughout and coasted over late in the first half, after a lovely cut-out pass from a teammate and went on to rack up 6 conversions to help his team to a memorable night in the garden city.

The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes from Moana who were visibly exhausted after an intense night’s work.

Photos were taken for Speed Media AU / Icon Sportswire

Result:

Crusaders 29-45 Moana Pasifika

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