Moana Pasifika have made history with an incredible 45 – 29 win over the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch. They were a machine, aggressive at the breakdown and feisty on attack recording six converted tries. It all started with Patrick Pellegrini hoisting a 50:22 kick which was the start of momentum swinging Moana’s way. Moana Pasifika came out firing in the first half inspired by captain Ardie Savea who scored two tries through sheer determination. The Crusaders answered back after Savea’s first try with impressive young front-rower Ioane Moananu getting over the line. This was off the back of a dominant rolling maul that was tough for Moana to contain. Danny Toala who came in to replace Lalomilo Lalomilo was outstanding, making his presence known all over the park. After multiple attempts he busted through the defence to record a well-deserved try in the 25th minute. In the first half he scored a try, had 9 carries, 47 meters made and won a turnover. Winger Tevita Ofa was also sensational in his debut start catching a pass from Pellegrini and powering through the defence, then offload to Pellegrini who scored his first Super Rugby try. The Crusaders came into the second half motivated to apply pressure and get points. They scored two tries to start via Macca Springer and Vice Captain Codie Taylor who made an impact. Miracle Faiilagi shrugged off multiple defenders to score a magical try in the second, emphasising his dominance this season. Moana Pasifika captain, Ardie Savea said: “Any win with Moana is up there. For me to come down here against the Crusaders – a great franchise, a great team to come and put up a performance like that, it’s up there.” “We talked about starting well. I thought we did that. We talked about winning collisions and we won a few of those collisions in the contact and allowed our ball players to play. Happy with that and real grateful to get the win.” Moana Pasifika head coach, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “It was very special, not many people expected us to do this and that heightens the proudness that we have with our team. We’re halfway through the season now and we probably started a bit slow and we want to keep momentum going, we still have a goal of hopefully making it to the knockout rounds.” Crusaders head coach, Rob Penney said: “They just wanted it more than us, they went through us. We were fragile on our defence. We slipped on a number of tackles and they got in behind us. They’ve proven they’re a quality side particularly inside the 22.” Moana Pasifika: 45 Tries: Ardie Savea (2), Danny Toala, Patrick Pellegrini, Miracle Faiilagi, Pepesana Patafilo Conversions: Patrick Pellegrini – 6 Patrick Pellegrini: – 1 Crusaders: 29 Tries: Ioane Moananu, Macca Springer, Codie Taylor, Mitch Drummond Conversions: James O’Connor – 2, Rivez Reihana – 1 Penalties: James O’Connor – 1