Moana Pasifika stun Crusaders, Reds go top in Super Rugby

Ardie Savea of Moana Pasifika celebrates after winning the round seven Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and Moana Pasifika at Apollo Projects Stadium. Pic: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Ardie Savea's Moana Pasifika produced a stunning 45-29 upset win over the Canterbury Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday to deny the 14-times champions top spot in the Super Rugby Pacific standings after round seven.

With the table-topping Waikato Chiefs enjoying a bye, the Crusaders had been expected to move above them but Moana finally produced a complete 80-minute performance to claim a first-ever win over the New Zealand powerhouse.