RESULTS Hurricanes 26-26 Blues Chiefs 32-17 Waratahs Crusaders 46-29 Highlanders Stormers 25-11 Bulls Brumbies 51-8 Reds

The Brumbies scored seven tries to seal their fifth win of the season and now have a total of 24 points.

South Africa's Stormers are in second place with 19 points, followed by the Bulls with 18 and NSW with 16.

Canterbury, meanwhile, maintained their form, winning a third straight match by beating Otago Highlanders 46-29.

Crusaders lost their first two matches but are back in contention after running in six tries against Otago.

Winger Marika Vunibaka scored three of the tries, while All Blacks centre Daniel Carter kicked five conversions and two penalties from nine attempts.

"The Highlanders are a quality side and to go out and put those kind of points on them is just amazing," said Crusaders captain Reuben Thorne.

Defending champions Auckland Blues are left with only a slim chance of making the play-offs after drawing 26-26 with the Wellington Hurricanes.

The Blues looked to have sealed victory when Xavier Rush and Rupeni Caucaunibuca touched down in quick succession after the break.

But they could not hold on and Piri Weepu converted Roy Kinikinilau's late try to level the scores.

"Two points is better than nothing," said Hurricanes skipper Jerry Collins.

New Zealand's Waikato Chiefs upset the New South Wales Waratahs with a 32-17 win.

The Waratahs are third in the table but rarely showed the form that has taken them there.

Two second-half tries and seven kicks out of seven by David Hill ensured victory for the Chiefs.

The Western Stormers won an all South African affair 25-11 against the Northern Bulls.

Breyton Paulse, Corne Krige and Marius Joubert all crossed over for the Stormers.