Former Wales captain Stephen Jones has helped to mastermind one of the biggest shocks in Super Rugby history, as Moana Pasifika stunned the Crusaders by beating them 45-29. Jones has been an assistant coach at the Auckland-based side since November 2023, having left his role as Wales attack coach less than a year earlier. Working under former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, the Welshman has overseen an improvement in Moana Pasifika's fortunes, moving up the table after finishing bottom for two successive seasons before his arrival. But now the team have pulled off arguably their greatest ever achievement by sinking their rivals for the first time ever, beating them in style on their own home turf. The team - which was founded in 2020 and is made up of players from various Pacific Island nations as well as New Zealand or Australian-born players of Pasifika heritage - came out firing in the first half in Christchurch on Saturday, with captain Ardie Savea crossing for their first try in the third minute. After the Crusaders responded, Savea hit back with another try and his side would not fall behind for the entirety of the match, as Danny Toala and Patrick Pellegrini stretched their lead to 21-10 at half-time. Tries for the hosts from Macca Springer and Codie Taylor made things interesting, but two fine efforts from Pasifika's Miracle Faiilagi and Pepesana Patafilo made sure of the stunning result. “It was very special, " said head coach Umaga after the match. "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.” With Jones looking after the attack, he will have been incredibly proud of what he saw from his team, who crossed for a total of six tries and posed a constant threat going forward, with All Blacks star Savea leading from the front. It comes after the former Wales captain - who won 104 caps for his country - said it was a "no brainer" to accept the job as Umaga's assistant less than 18 months ago. Jones had served as Wales' attack coach under Wayne Pivac but departed at the end of 2022 when Warren Gatland returned as head coach and he was deemed surplus to requirements. After spending time with Umaga at the Blues during the previous season, Jones admitted he didn't need much convincing to take on his next challenge with Pasifika. "I was very honoured to get the call," he told Newshub last year. “I had a conversation with Tana and didn’t have to think about it too long. It was the opportunity to work with great people for a great team. To work in Super Rugby was something that excited me – to learn, get better. It was a no-brainer. "The people I'm working with are incredible. The playing group, we've been working them very, very hard, they've been open-minded, willing to learn and willing to grow. The experience has been top drawer."