The Hurricanes Development side's five year winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Crusader Knights in Porirua today.

The Knights, featuring All Blacks Kieran Read, Dominic Bird and Joe Moody, beat the Hurricanes 38-21 in what was a physical encounter at Porirua Park.

The Crusaders held much of the ball in the first 20 minutes, with the first touch falling the way of Read.

They continued their momentum, forcing the Hurricanes Development to work hard on defence. In the eighth minute, a strong run by Nafi Tuatavaki sparked the Knights, who strung a number of phases together before settling in the middle of the field. Halfback Ere Enari then darted off the back of a ruck to score.

While the home side started to come into form, the Knights made the most of the opportunities that came their way through Hurricanes' penalties. Openside Jed Brown was the next to get on the score sheet, after bowling over from a Crusader lineout 5-metres out.

A similar scenario down the other end of the park just four minutes later saw Hurricanes number 8 Mark Atkins put his team on the board. Otere Black landed his first conversion of the day to make it 7-14.

With Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu'u sent to the sideline for a spell after a bit of argy bargy, the Crusaders put two more tries on the board through wing Seta Koroitamana, and first five-eighth, Richie Mo'unga. Mo'unga converted his own try to make it 7-26 and half time.

The 'Canes came out strong in the second half, but after ten minutes it was again the Crusaders who gained the upper hand through another try to Brown.

That didn't hinder the 'Canes confidence, however, with the home side continuing to threaten in their opposition's half. Replacement halfback Jamie Booth eventually broke through the defence, running 40-metres to dot down under the posts. Black converted to make it 14-31.

Towards the end of the match, some average defence from the Hurricanes on halfway saw replacement loose forward Pete Samu stroll right on through and score under the sticks.

The Hurricanes got one back in the final few minutes through replacement prop Jarvy Aoake, converted by Otere Black.

Half time score: 7-26

Full time score: 21-38

Hurricanes

Tries; Atkins, Booth, Aoake; Cons, Black 3.

Crusaders

Tries; Koroitamana, Samu, Mo'unga, Enari, Brown 2; Cons, Mo'unga 3, Hooper.