CRAIG LEWIS selects an overall 18-team Super Rugby log based on performances and opposition faced after the first five rounds.
The confusing Super Rugby conference system often makes it difficult to see just where teams stand in the competition, but after the first few weeks of action, SARugbymag.co.za's senior writer believes this is where they would rank in a 1-18 format.
1. Chiefs (4-0)
The Chiefs have emerged as clear front-runners this season, having played and beaten three dangerous New Zealand teams, including defending champions, the Hurricanes, while they also comfortably overcame the Rebels.
2. Hurricanes (3-1)
The defending champs may have suffered a disappointing loss to the Chiefs, but over four games they’ve scored a whopping 213 and 33 tries, while conceding only 64 points and seven tries.
3. Crusaders (5-0)
The Crusaders have relied on a couple of remarkable late comebacks to secure some relatively fortunate results, but the fact remains they have displayed plenty of character to win five games in succession.
4. Lions (4-1)
The only loss last year’s runners-up have suffered so far this season came when they sent an understrength team to Argentina. But they’ve begun to rediscover their attacking mojo, having scored 193 points and 28 tries over five games.
5. Stormers (4-0)
The Stormers remain one of three unbeaten teams in the competition. They have yet to face New Zealand opposition, and struggled against the Sunwolves this past weekend, but have shown some encouraging signs early on this season.
6. Jaguares (4-1)
The team from Argentina look as if they have now fully adapted to the intensity and pace of Super Rugby. The Jaguares have had the benefit of some advantageous fixtures up to this point, but do look like they could be a force to be reckoned with this season.
7. Sharks (4-1)
After a disappointing defeat to the Reds in week one, the Sharks have settled on an impressive brand of rugby. This past weekend, they made another big statement with a win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
8. Blues (2-3)
The Blues have make good progress under coach Tana Umaga, and their impressive win over the Bulls this past weekend underlined their ability to compete strongly against most teams this season.
9. Highlanders (2-3)
The Highlanders look to be the weakest New Zealand team this season, but they did start their campaign with four challenging Kiwi derbies, while picking up an important win over the Brumbies this past weekend.
10. Brumbies (2-3)
It would be a massive understatement to say the action in the Australian conference has been underwhelming so far this season. It’s revealing that the Brumbies lead the way after only two wins from five.
11. Cheetahs (2-3)
The Cheetahs made an encouraging start to the season, but have recently slumped to back-to-back defeats. When playing with confidence, though, they still look to have the ability to compete against most sides.
12. Bulls (1-3)
It's been a miserable start to the season for the Bulls, and while they have had to deal with a number of key injury absentees, while having played just one game at home, they still appear to be a team on the road to nowhere.
13 Waratahs (2-3)
The Waratahs endured a difficult tour to South Africa, and haven’t looked like real playoff contenders this season, although they did pick up a much-needed win over the Rebels this past weekend.
14. Kings (1-4)
This may seem a relatively high ranking for the Kings, but they have been pretty competitive in each game they’ve played this season, and look to be a much-improved team in 2017.
15. Reds (1-4)
The Reds recruited well in the off-season, and certainly don’t look like walk-overs in 2017, but there is little doubt that they belong among the bottom few teams.
16 Force (1-3)
The Force have been relatively competitive so far this season, but have slipped to two defeats against Australian opposition, while they were thrashed by the Crusaders this past weekend.
17. Rebels (0-4)
There is not much to say in support of a Rebels side that kicked off their campaign with two heavy defeat against New Zealand opposition, which has just been the start of their troubles.
18. Sunwolves (0-5)
The Sunwolves have battled bravely in recent weeks after suffering a massive 83-17 loss against the Hurricanes in week one, but the fact remains that they are winless after five games.
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Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
