The Queensland Reds have stamped themselves as genuine Super Rugby title contenders by upsetting the previously-unbeaten Stormers 19-6 in Cape Town, while the Hurricanes' losing run continues, going down by a point at the ACT Brumbies, 17-16 in Canberra.
The Reds go top equal with the Crusaders but ahead on points difference. Both sides top their respective conferences while the New South Wales Waratahs maintained their 100 percent record over other Australian sides with a 31-3 thumping of the Western Force in Perth.
The Sharks also saw off the Lions, 27-3 in Durban. The Stormers stay top in South Africa despite their first loss.
The Hurricanes are last in New Zealand and 12th overall.
