Everything you need to know about Super Rugby Pacific round seven

Heading into the final two games of Super Rugby Pacific round seven, here is everything you need to know so far about the games on Friday night.

Results

Crusaders 38-21 Moana Pasifika

Reds 24-52 Brumbies

Highlanders 14-29 Hurricanes

Rebels 17-54 Blues

Round Recap

Richie Mo’unga brings up Crusaders milestone in style

• Playmaker Richie Mo’unga played his 100^th match in Crusaders colours on Friday night
• The Crusaders beat Moana Pasifika by 17 points at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium
• A first half double from centre Levi Aumua spurred Moana Pasifika onto a hard-earned 17-21 lead at the break

Defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders won their fifth match of the season on Friday night, as they defeated a valiant Moana Pasifika outfit 38-21 in Christchurch.

Playmaker Richie Mo’unga led the home team out onto Orangetheory Stadium ahead of his 100^th match in Crusaders colours – including an exhibition against the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

The All Blacks first-five shot out of the blocks inside the opening 15 minutes, having kicked an early penalty goal and set up hooker Codie Taylor for the opening try of the contest.

After racing out to an early 10-nil lead, the Crusaders were brought down to earth after Moana Pasifika hit back through a try to rampaging centre Levi Aumua.

Then, disaster struck. Flanker Corey Kellow was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul midway through the half, and Aumua crossed for his second about a minute later.

Suddenly, the title holders were behind – their underdog opponents had come to play.

There were another three lead changes in the match before the Crusaders ran away with it inside the final 20 minutes.

Tries to Dallas McLeod and Willi Heinz sealed the victory for the Crusaders, who have well and truly recovered from their slow start this season.

After starting their season with one win from three starts, the champion Crusaders have won their last four matches in a row.

Brumbies break Brisbane hoodoo in style

• The ACT Brumbies defeated the Queensland Reds in Brisbane for the first time since 2015
• Reds lock Angus Blyth was sent to the sin bin inside the opening 10 minutes for a high shot on Brumbies winger Corey Toole, but the in-game review saw the verdict upgraded to a red
• The Brumbies scored four second half tries to the Reds’ one, which saw the visitors make a statement against their fierce Australian rivals

The ACT Brumbies made history in Brisbane on Friday night, and they did it in style.

The Brumbies hadn’t won in the Queensland capital since 2015, but brought an end to their Brisbane hoodoo with an emphatic 28-point win over the Reds.

After racing out to an early 7-nil lead after a try to hooker Matt Faessler, the Reds were dealt a significant blow as lock Angus Blyth was sent to the sin bin.

But under the new laws in Super Rugby Pacific, the in-game review saw the card upgraded to a red.

Playing with plenty of belief and confidence, the Brumbies struck back shortly after to level the game after a try to Wallabies outside back Tom Wright.

It was tense thriller throughout the remainder of the half, with the scores locked at 14-all before a penalty goal from Reds No. 12 Isaac Henry in the 39^th minute.

But the Brumbies didn’t throw in the towel, or waste any time watching clock as the half-time siren began to warm up.

Hooker Lachlan Lonergan scored two minutes into added time, with the Brumbies’ rolling maul working wonders once again.

While the match was in the balance at the break, the Brumbies put the game to bed early in the second term.

Second half tries to Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Rob Valetini and Nick Frost saw the team from the capital record a dominant 52-24 win at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Hurricanes surge up SRP ladder

• Hurricanes surge up to first on Super Rugby Pacific ladder after beating the Highlanders 29-14 in Dunedin
• Winger Salesi Rayasi stole the show with a brace, as his purple patch continued in round seven
• Halfback Cam Roigard sent a message to All Blacks selectors with what was arguably a player of the match performance

The Hurricanes have moved up to first on the Super Rugby Pacific standings with a hard-fought win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Teams always bring physicality and passion to New Zealand derbies, and this classic was no different. Throughout a tough first half, there was plenty of niggle off the ball – clearly, this match meant more.

Winger Salesi Rayasi scored his first try of the night, and his fifth of the season, in the 14^th minute. While the Landers hit back through in-form backrower Hugh Renton shortly after, the scores didn’t change for another 13 minutes.

After going into the sheds up 8-7, tries to James Blackwell and Cam Roigard saw the Hurricanes race out to a commanding lead.

Another try to Salesi Rayasi seemed to seal the deal late in the contest, but a winning bonus point alluded the team from the capital – a late try to Highlanders captain Billy Harmon proved to be the difference.

But the Hurricanes are joint-first on the ladder – for now at least. The Hurricanes travel to Hamilton next weekend to take on the high-flying Chiefs at FMG Stadium.

Blues put on a show in Melbourne

• Blues overcome a first half scare to win big at Melbourne’s AAMI Park
• After going into the sheds down by four points, the Blues unleashed a barrage of tries in the second half
• The Blues bounced back and returning to winning ways after losing to the Chiefs last weekend

The Blues have returned to winning ways after beating the Melbourne Rebels 54-17 at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.

Utility back Reece Hodge scored the first points of the night with a penalty goal, before the Blues hit back through a Sam Darry try.

Both teams scored two tries in the first half, but Beauden Barrett’s inaccuracy off the tee proved to be the difference.

Trailing by four points at the break, the next 40 minutes could somewhat define the Blues’ season – for a team with title ambitions, a loss in Melbourne could have been disastrous.

But the visitors shot out of the blocks in the second term, and ended up sealing an emphatic 54-17 win. Beauden Barrett was brilliant in the second finish, as the All Black finished with a few try assists to his name.