Super Rugby: How Moana magic exposed Crusaders' vulnerabilities

Analysis: The breakthrough victory in Christchurch was a long time coming, and it was built on Crusaders-like fundamentals, writes Patrick McKendry.

The old saying about the best way to make God laugh is to tell him your plans came to mind while watching Moana Pasifika run around and then through the Crusaders for an historic victory in Christchurch.

The 45-29 win was as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests. Never before have Moana Pasifika beaten the Crusaders and — a week after the red and blacks appeared pretty happy with life following their big win over the Blues at Eden Park — here were the competition newcomers (who began the round in last place) teaching them a few lessons.

The Crusaders appeared clueless at times as they chased the game but credit should go to the visitors for their fast start, ability to withstand the almost inevitable comeback (the Crusaders got to within nine points in the second half), and finish with a flourish.

Simply put, Moana Pasifika’s attitude was better. They were direct, so much so they appeared odds-on to score every time they got into the Crusaders’ 22.

The home side’s defensive lapses, along with a malfunctioning lineout, may trouble coach Rob Penney the most.

There was, too, always a risk in resting skipper David Havili for this game. The midfielder has been one of the Crusaders’ most consistent operators this season and his leadership has been inspirational.

Describing Ardie Savea’s performance as inspirational at his new team is virtually redundant now because of his consistency.

Meanwhile, Havili’s absence left a large leadership vacuum in the Crusaders, despite starting All Blacks captain Scott Barrett at lock.

Moana’s spirited comeback in an almost hopeless cause against the Chiefs at Pukekohe should have given the Crusaders a few hints about what was coming.

Their ball runners were simply too powerful and smart and their outside backs too inventive for a team that had appeared very much on track but who suddenly had their vulnerabilities painfully exposed.

This was only the second win of the season for Moana Pasifika and, after losing by a point to the Force in Perth and by two points to the Highlanders, they deserved a bit of luck. This performance didn’t require too much of that, though.

It was a triumph of planning, attitude and execution — three things the Crusaders used to excel at. The perennial underdogs are now in ninth place, one point above the defending champion Blues, who had the bye over the weekend and have just one victory in six matches.

It’s more evidence that this may be the most even Super Rugby competition in its 29 years of existence.

The Crusaders, meanwhile, remain in third place – a testament to the above and the fact that no team is unbeaten.

The sight of the Reds at the top of the table may take a while to sink in, though. The Chiefs, who also had a bye, are second.

Penney’s men face a trip to Suva to play the Fijian Drua this week. The Drua’s recent record at home should have knocked all sense of complacency out of visiting teams but if any more caution was required, Moana Pasifika provided it.

The Hurricanes' 57-12 victory over the Waratahs was, by far, their most convincing performance of the season and it came again via their recipe for success in their previous (far closer) win against the Highlanders – their efforts at the breakdown.

Much like Moana Pasifika in Christchurch, the Hurricanes were far hungrier than their opponents at this phase and that appetite helped build an unstoppable momentum for major backline threats such as Kini Naholo and Cam Roigard to take full advantage.

A point, too, on first-five Riley Hohepa, who looks far more comfortable in the yellow No.10 jersey than he did in a Crusaders’ one last season.

It was a bit of an odd performance from the Highlanders, who lost 34-27 to the Brumbies in Canberra after leading halfway through the second half while scoring 14 straight points.

There remains a suspicion that the Highlanders’ slightly lightweight pack will prevent them being serious contenders, and Ethan de Groot's absence would not have helped here.

They struggled again at the set piece – but they have class wings in the form of Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau.

Underpowered or not, Moana Pasifika have shown that attitude and technique can make up for other frailties. The Highlanders and the rest of the competition should take note.