CRAIG LEWIS rates the 15 Super Rugby teams based on performances after seven rounds.
The Super Rugby conference system makes for confusing reading regarding the respective teams’ standings in the tournament. SARugbymag.co.za’s senior writer believes that this is where they should rank on current form.
1. Hurricanes (4-1)
Last week’s ranking: 1
The Hurricanes underlined their title credentials with an impressive 50-19 win over the Rebels on Friday. They are clearly playing for coach Chris Boyd in his final season with the team.
2. Crusaders (4-2)
Last week’s ranking: 4
The Crusaders rise to second place after a hard-fought 14-8 win over the Lions on Saturday. Although the Saders weren’t at their best, a win at Ellis Park remains an impressive feat.
3. Chiefs (4-1)
Last week’s ranking: 6
The Chiefs continued their impressive run of form with a 27-22 win over the Highlanders on Friday. However, they remain just behind the Saders – a side they lost heavily to in their season-opener.
4. Rebels (4-2)
Last week’s ranking: 2
The Rebels slide to fourth after a one-sided loss in their first game against New Zealand opposition. They will now enjoy a timely bye this weekend.
5. Lions (4-3)
Last week’s ranking: 3
The Lions’ downward slide continued on Sunday as they succumbed to a dour loss against the Crusaders at Ellis Park. It’s their third loss in four games.
6. Highlanders (3-2)
Last week’s ranking: 5
The Highlanders mounted a gutsy fightback against the Chiefs, but ultimately weren’t good enough to clinch a much-needed win in the ever-competitive New Zealand conference.
7. Waratahs (3-1-1)
Last week’s ranking: 9
The Waratahs leapfrog their way to seventh after claiming a crucial 24-17 win over the Brumbies in Canberra that also sees them rise to second in the Australian conference.
8. Reds (3-2)
Last week’s ranking: 7
The Reds had a bye this past weekend. They will need to claim a victory over the Brumbies this Saturday to avoid sliding further down these rankings.
9. Stormers (3-4)
Last week’s ranking: 8
The Stormers will be gutted after failing to find a way past the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday. Again, their form away from home appears to be a serious problem.
10. Sharks (2-1-3)
Last week’s ranking: 11
The Sharks finally produced the sort of performance that many believe they are capable of as they powered to a 60-43 win over the Blues in Auckland. It remains to be seen if they can back that up against the Hurricanes this Friday.
11. Bulls (2-4)
Last week’s ranking: 14
The Bulls make a big jump to 11th spot, but when one considers the impressive nature of their 33-23 win over the Stormers and the fact they’ve now completed their overseas tour, they look set to continue on an upward curve.
12. Brumbies (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: 10
The Brumbies slip to 12th after a disappointing loss at home to the Waratahs. They now only sit above the Sunwolves in the Australian conference.
13. Blues (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: 12
The Blues remain one of the most frustratingly inconsistent sides in the competition, and again mixed the great with the ghastly against the Sharks on Saturday.
14. Jaguares (2-4)
Last week’s ranking: 13
The Jaguares had a bye this past weekend, and now face the unenviable task of coming up against the Crusaders this Saturday.
15. Sunwolves (0-5)
Last week’s ranking: 15
The Sunwolves were also out of action in round seven, but understandably remain rooted to the bottom of the rankings.
Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images
