Moana Pasifika got off to the worst possible start and things did not improve much from there as the Chiefs romped to a 52-29 victory in their Super Round rugby clash in Melbourne.
The Crusaders have bounced back from last week’s loss to the Chiefs in resounding fashion by thumping the Highlanders 52-15 in the opening game of the Melbourne Super Round.
Staying grounded after the ease of their 60-20 win over the Highlanders will be the key for the Blues when meeting the Brumbies in Melbourne on Sunday.
As the only two South Island-based teams in Super Rugby Pacific, the Crusaders and Highlanders have a unique and special rivalry, making their matches some of the most anticipated and intense in the competition.
Jeremy Thrush has made a shock return from retirement to lead the Western Force to a pulsating 34-27 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Melbourne Rebels at Perth's HBF Park.
Four second-half tries have ensured an experienced Hurricanes outfit disposed of the Queensland Reds to begin their Super Rugby Pacific season with a comfortable 47-13 victory in Townsville.
The Fijian Drua have had the last say in a match which provided 11 tries to edge Moana Pasifika 36-34 on the opening weekend of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Chiefs have rallied from 10-0 down after 20 minutes to beat the defending champion Crusaders 31-10 and pull off the first upset of the Super Rugby Pacific season in the opening match.
All Black David Havili will resume fullback duties in the talent-laden Crusaders backline that will take on the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Pacific game in Christchurch on Friday.