CRAIG LEWIS selects an overall 18-team Super Rugby log based on performances and opposition faced after the first six rounds.
The confusing Super Rugby conference system makes it difficult to see just where teams stand in the competition, but SARugbymag.co.za's senior writer believes this is where they would rank in a 1-18 format.
1. Chiefs (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: 1
The Chiefs just cling on to this rating as they maintained their unbeaten start of the season with a hard-fought win over the Bulls this past weekend. Although the Hamilton-based side battled to find their best form in the first half, they displayed impressive character to make a mental shift at the break, before fighting back to clinch the win.
2. Crusaders (6-0)
Last week’s ranking: 3
The Crusaders produced an up-and-down performance against the Waratahs on Sunday, but a bonus-point win in Sydney should not be scoffed at, while it took them to top of the New Zealand conference.
3. Hurricanes (4-1)
Last week’s ranking: 2
The Hurricanes' 34-15 bonus-point win over the Rebels may not have been as convincing as some might have thought, but it shouldn't be forgotten that they had three tries reversed following TMO reviews.
4. Stormers (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: 5
The Stormers were in top form as they punished the Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday, racking up eight tries and 53 points. The quality of the opposition and the disorganised defence of the Cheetahs has to be factored in, but the fact remains that the Stormers have now gone five from five.
5. Lions (5-1)
Last week’s ranking: 4
The Lions may have fallen one place, but should still receive credit for a gutsy win over the Sharks. You could argue that it was a rather fortuitous victory, but champion teams find ways to win when their backs are against the wall.
6. Sharks (5-1)
Last week’s ranking: 7
The Sharks may have suffered a disappointing defeat to the Lions on Saturday, and they certainly didn’t have the rub of the green when it came to the officiating. Despite the defeat, it remained one of their performances of the season so far.
7. Highlanders (3-3)
Last week’s ranking: 9
The Highlanders jump up a couple of spots after their resounding win over the Rebels. Yes, they were at home against a weak Australian opponent, but there were signs of the Landers rediscovering some good form.
8. Jaguares (4-1)
Last week’s ranking: 6
The Jaguares had a bye this past weekend, and fall two places through no fault of their own. It will be interesting to see how they perform on their return to action in an away fixture against the Sharks this Saturday.
9. Blues (3-3)
Last week’s ranking: 8
The Blues weren’t particularly convincing in their win over the Force, but an improved second-half performance ensured they were still able to bank back-to-back wins.
10. Brumbies (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: 10)
It’s an indictment of the teams in the bottom half of the rankings that the Brumbies remain 10th, despite having a bye this past weekend.
11. Bulls (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: 12
The Bulls leapfrog one place after producing their best half of rugby against the Chiefs on Saturday. The Pretoria-based side led 9-3 at half-time, before fading in the second stanza.
12. Waratahs (2-4)
Last week’s ranking: 13
The Waratahs had their moments against the Crusaders on Sunday, but in the end they were no real match for the seven-time champs.
13. Cheetahs (2-4)
Last week’s ranking: 11
The Cheetahs fall two places after a limp showing against the Stormers on Saturday, which saw them leak over 50 points as their defence once again proved to be problematically porous.
14. Reds (1-5)
Last week’s ranking: 15
The Reds were competitive in patches against the Hurricanes, but a fifth successive defeat leaves their campaign in turmoil.
15 Force (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: 16
The Force have been relatively competitive so far this season, and were again no pushovers against the Blues, despite never really looking likely to cause an upset.
16. Kings (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: 14)
The Kings fall a couple of spots after a week of inactivity, but will be hoping they can cause a big surprise against the Force in Perth this Sunday.
17. Sunwolves (0-5)
Last week’s ranking: 18
The Sunwolves had a bye this past weekend, but actually move up a spot based on the fact that another lopsided defeat suffered by the Rebels deserves to condemn them to the basement of these rankings.
18. Rebels (0-5)
Last week’s ranking: 17
The Rebels slumped to another heavy defeat this past weekend to leave them languishing at the bottom of the Australian conference.
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Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
