Moana Pasifika shock Crusaders with historic 45-29 win in Christchurch

Crusaders 29-45 Moana Pasifika, Christchurch

Moana Pasifika delivered a performance for the ages in Christchurch, dismantling the Crusaders 45-29 in a high-octane Super Rugby Pacific clash that will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the club’s young history.

It was Moana Pasifika’s first win over the defending champions and only their second ever on New Zealand soil — and they did it with style, authority, and ruthless efficiency.

Playing at Apollo Projects Stadium — a Crusaders fortress — the visitors tore up the script from the opening whistle. The Crusaders, who have dominated Super Rugby for more than a decade, were caught cold by Moana’s aggressive start, clinical finishing, and resilient defense.

Moana Pasifika set the tone early with Ardie Savea crashing over the line in just the 3rd minute, signaling that this was not going to be a routine outing for the home side. The try was converted by Patrick Pellegrini, who would go on to play a pivotal role with the boot.

The Crusaders hit back in the 10th minute through hooker Ioane Moananu, whose try was converted to level the scores at 7-7, but Moana Pasifika didn’t let up. Savea was at it again just three minutes later, barging over for his second try to reclaim the lead. Pellegrini's conversion made it 14-7.

The Crusaders closed the gap with a penalty from James O'Connor in the 20th minute, but Moana Pasifika then turned the screws. Danny Toala added their third try in the 25th minute, finishing off a sweeping move as the visitors played with width and accuracy. Another seven-pointer pushed the score to 21-10.

As halftime approached, Moana struck again — this time through Pellegrini himself, who took advantage of space in broken play to dive under the posts in the 34th minute. His conversion gave Moana Pasifika a commanding 28-10 lead heading into the break.

The Crusaders responded with urgency after the interval. In the 42nd minute, Pellegrini extended Moana’s lead further with a penalty, but the hosts finally began to find gaps in the Moana defense.

Macca Springer touched down in the 50th minute, and Codie Taylor followed with another try just five minutes later. Both were converted, narrowing the margin to 31-24 and suggesting a comeback was on.

But Moana Pasifika didn’t flinch. Instead of folding under the pressure, they responded with even more venom. In the 60th minute, Miracle Fai’ilagi powered over after sustained pressure in the Crusaders’ 22. Pellegrini again added the extras to restore a 14-point cushion.

Then, in the 68th minute, came the defining blow. A break through midfield was finished by Pepesana Patafilo, who dotted down under the posts. Pellegrini converted again to stretch the score to 45-24 and leave the Crusaders stunned.

A late try from Mitchell Drummond in the 75th minute salvaged some respectability for the hosts, but the damage had been long done.

The final whistle blew to scenes of jubilation for Moana Pasifika — a team that had been seen by many as rank outsiders, now standing tall with a historic result under their belt.