JON CARDINELLI rates the 15 Super Rugby teams based on performances after 10 rounds.
The Super Rugby conference system makes for confusing reading regarding the respective teams’ standings in the tournament. SARugbymag.co.za’s chief writer believes that this is where they should rank on current form.
1. Lions (6-3)
Last week’s ranking: 4
The Lions rocket up the rankings after claiming a historic win against the Waratahs in Sydney. They will be favourites to strengthen their position at the top of the overall standings when they play the Reds in round 11.
2. Crusaders (6-2)
Last week’s ranking: 2
The Crusaders overcame the difficult conditions in Christchurch this week to score a bonus-point win against the Sunwolves. As a result, Scott Robertson’s side has moved to the top of the New Zealand conference.
3. Hurricanes (6-1)
Last week’s ranking: 1
The Hurricanes drop down a couple of places after enjoying a bye in round 10. However, they are still very well placed and should add to their log tally when they host the Sunwolves in the next match.
4. Chiefs (6-2)
Last week’s ranking: 3
The Chiefs were deserved winners in the recent fixture against the Reds in Brisbane. The Lions’ big win against the Waratahs, however, sees the Chiefs dropping down a place in the rankings.
5. Highlanders (5-2)
Last week’s ranking: 5
The Highlanders retain their place on this ladder following a convincing win over the Blues in Auckland. While the men from Dunedin sit fourth in the New Zealand standings, they boast as many log points as the Australian conference leaders and more than four of the five sides in the South African group.
6. Waratahs (5-1-2)
Last week’s ranking: 6
The Waratahs sustained one of their worst Super Rugby defeats this past Friday. They remain at the top of the Australian log, though, thanks to some favourable results in Pretoria and Brisbane.
7. Rebels (4-4)
Last week’s ranking: 7
The Rebels went down 28-10 in Pretoria this past week to record their third-straight loss. They will have an opportunity to snap that streak, though, when they face the struggling Stormers in Cape Town.
8. Bulls (4-4)
Last week’s ranking: 8
The Bulls showed some ambition in the first half of their match against the Rebels. They could make another statement of intent when they host the Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday.
9. Sharks (3-1-5)
Last week’s ranking: 9
The Sharks rebounded to beat a poor Stormers side at Kings Park. They may lose some ground, and momentum, when they have a bye in round 10.
10. Jaguares (4-5)
Last week’s ranking: 14
The Jaguares move up four places following their big win over the Brumbies in Canberra. This result has seen the Argentinian side moving up to fourth in the South African conference standings.
11. Brumbies (3-5)
Last week’s ranking: 11
The Brumbies suffered a bad loss to the Jaguares on Sunday. One wouldn’t bet on them bouncing back when they host the Crusaders in the next fixture.
12. Stormers (3-6)
Last week’s ranking: 10
The Stormers have not won a single away game this season. They’ll be looking to revive their playoff hopes when they play the Rebels and Bulls at Newlands in the coming weeks.
13. Reds (3-5)
Last week’s ranking: 12
The Reds were well beaten by the Highlanders on their home ground. They will face the overall log leaders, the Lions, in the next round.
14. Blues (2-6)
Last week’s ranking: 13
The Blues suffered yet another loss to a Kiwi opponent when they went down to the Highlanders at home. Tana Umaga’s side looks set to finish the tournament at the foot of the New Zealand conference table.
15. Sunwolves (0-8)
Last week’s ranking: 15
The inclement weather in Christchurch hampered the Crusaders in their battle with the Sunwolves. And yet the Crusaders were still good enough to score five tries and hand the Japan-based franchise their eighth-consecutive loss this season.
Photo: David Neilson/Photosport
