The Blues have crashed to their third straight defeat to start the Super Rugby season.

They've lost 23-19 to the Jaguares [haa-wah-rez] in Buenos Aires.

The Blues looked in control of the match dominating possession and territory, before taking a 12-11 lead shortly after halftime.

However tries from Ramiro Moyano and Julian Montoya put the hosts firmly in control, and despite a late try from flanker Dalton Papali'i the Blues were unable steal the victory.

Their loss comes a few hour after the Sunwolves history making win against a New Zealand side.

The Japanese side have stunned the Chiefs 30-15 in Hamilton to claim their first Super Rugby win on opposition soil.

Skipper Michael Little who spent several years playing for North Harbour, is delighted.

He says New Zealand is the hardest place to tour, so to get a victory here has been a long time coming.

Chiefs halfback Brad Weber had a blunter assessment.

"You've got to take your hat off to the Sunwolves. Their speed and the way they were able to break tackles was special, and we need a hard look at ourselves, as that was pretty embarassing to tell you the truth."

Also on the losing end were the Highlanders, who were denied a late chance to snatch victory against the Rebels in their Super Rugby match in Melbourne.

Shannon Frizell appeared to have scored with two minutes left, however replays showed he'd lost control of the ball.

The team lost 24-19.

The Hurricanes' big men have answered their Super Rugby critics with a 43-13 hammering of the Brumbies in Palmerston North.

Two rolling maul tries right after halftime have help propel the Crusaders to victory in their Super Rugby match against the Reds in Brisbane.

The defending champions won 22-12, having only led 10-7 at the break.

It has extended their winning streak to 18.