Moana Pasifika pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, beating the Crusaders 45-29 in Christchurch in Round 7. It was their first-ever win over the 14-time champions—and a game that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
Right from kickoff, Moana Pasifika looked sharp. Captain Ardie Savea set the tone early with two tries in the first 16 minutes. Fly-half Patrick Pellegrini kept the Crusaders under pressure with smart kicking and strong game management.
The Crusaders tried to mount a comeback with tries from Macca Springer and Codie Taylor, but Moana Pasifika stayed in control. They added more tries through Danny Toala, Pellegrini, Miracle Faiilagi, and Pepesana Patafilo, with Pellegrini converting consistently to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The win is a massive boost for Moana Pasifika in the standings and puts a dent in the Crusaders’ push for the top of the table. The Queensland Reds now sit first with 23 points, just ahead of the Chiefs on 22.
After the match, Savea said he was proud of how the team played—with confidence, energy, and belief. It’s a result that shows Moana Pasifika are no longer underdogs—they’re contenders.
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