NEW Zealand provincial powerhouses Wellington Hurricanes and Canterbury Crusaders have staked early claims to this year’s Super 14 rugby title.

SUPER 12 champions ACT Brumbies came back well to defeat New Zealand rivals Canterbury Crusaders at home on the opening weekend of the competition.

DUNEDIN’S House of Pain awaits to derail the ACT Brumbies’ push for a semi-finals’ berth in this week’s Super 12 rugby feature match.