NELSON, New Zealand — Seven-time champion the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 35-18 in Super Rugby Friday, keeping their slim playoffs hope alive and forcing the top-ranked Hurricanes to sweat for another week on the prospect of a home playoff. Friday's win improved the Crusaders' record to 7-7 and means they can't yet be counted out of playoffs contention. In Canberra, the ACT Brumbies returned to the top of the Australian conference and dented the Northern Bulls playoff hopes with a 22-16 Super Rugby win also Friday. The loss left the Pretoria-based Bulls five points outside the Super Rugby playoff positions with just two games left and they are still without a win in Australasia for over three years. — Agencies