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Super Rugby Power Rankings: More heart than an 80s mixtape
Scotty Stevenson loved what he saw in the Highlanders destruction of the Force… but was it enough to bump them up this week’s power rankings?
1. Crusaders (N/C)
The Crusaders defeated the Chiefs with a second half rally in Suva. This has become the calling card of the Crusaders against their New Zealand rivals this season, and other teams need to figure out how to limit the damage inflicted by Scott Robertson’s dynamic bench if they hope to topple the only unbeaten side in the competition. Many are writing them up as champions-in-waiting and they deserve the praise. Caution is urged, however. Some conservative decisions are creeping back in here, and they need to keep going for the jugular if they want to return to title town.
2. Hurricanes (N/C)
Pretty much every rugby fan in the world thought the Hurricanes would destroy the Cheetahs with a bounce-back performance at the ‘Tin. They did that, and in some style. Didn’t miss a beat with Barrett at the back and Black in the pivot role. That will please the coaching staff no end. The Hurricanes continue to look like the best team in the competition when they attack. Because they are. The decision-making in the forwards will be key from here on in.
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https://twitter.com/SuperRugbyNZ/status/866405746099048448
3. Lions (N/C)
Quite why everyone has their knickers in a twist about the Lions’ path the finals in beyond me. They were grand finalists last year after defeating four of the five New Zealand sides, and they have changed nothing in terms of their willingness to run the ball. You would have backed this team to take a couple of kiwi scalps had the draw been different. Kiwi myopia should not distract from the fact this team is capable of beating any team from any country.
4. Chiefs (N/C)
But for several glitches in the set piece, the Chiefs could have been the kings of Suva again last weekend. Getting ruffled is not in the Chiefs make-up, and they will be shaking their heads over the two late lineout fluffs that robbed them of a chance to score a match-levelling try against the Crusaders. Losing two mid-fielders to head knocks didn’t help their cause. They will believe they are still very much championship material this year.
5. Highlanders (N/C)
Holy shit this team has more heart than an 80’s mix tape. Most conservative pundits picked a tough tussle against the Force following some frankly freakish wins in South Africa. Instead the Landers flogged them like a dud racehorse. The Highlanders have gone from posting the second-lowest average score per game after round four, to the fourth-highest average score per game after round 13. And they’ve won eight straight.
https://twitter.com/joey_wheelz/status/866199062831284224
6. Sharks (up 2)
Made a competition-high 800 running metres last weekend against the Sunwolves, which bodes well for the Sharks on their run home. They will take the African wild card spot and if they can hold the ball they could well upset the Lions at the end of the round-robin. In fairness the Moondogs approached defence as if it were an optional extra but we’ll focus on the Sharks finishing the job, which they have failed to do very much this season.
7. Blues (down 1)
Robbed.
8. Stormers (up 1)
Lucky.
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9. Waratahs (up 2)
Despite trailing the Brumbies on the points table, I get the feeling they could still wind up Australian conference champions after putting away the Rebels late last weekend. Michael Hooper’s captaincy was to the fore in the round 13 victory. He really is the everything to that team at the moment, and his players responded when he needed them to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrBozM9Fy8k
10. Kings (down 3)
The bandwagon hit a Brumbies-sized boulder on the weekend. That could be the last stop on the Kings’ last ride. Which is a shame, really. I was just starting to warm to this team.
11. Jaguares (down 1)
The Jags take a drop on bye-week and now sit 14 points adrift of the Sharks in the African wildcard battle. Things don’t look good for this team in the run home but they do have the Brumbies this weekend in what should be a stylistic mismatch. The Jags are the biggest offloaders in the competition, the Brumbies offload the least. The Jags make the most carries per game, the Brumbies the second fewest. The Jags concede the most penalties per game, the Brumbies the fewest. My money’s on the home side.
https://twitter.com/JaguardoOk/status/866837336998293504
12. Brumbies (up 1)
I realise this seems ridiculous given they are below the team they defeated on the weekend, but I don’t care. I will reconsider the Brumbies position in power rankings if they can fly halfway around the world and beat the rested Jaguares this weekend. The problem for the Brumbies is they do not have a home game remaining in the regular season. And they are rather shite away from Canberra.
13. Reds (up 4)
Seriously, this is probably the most ridiculous elevation in power rankings history. The Reds didn’t even play last week. The other teams have left me no choice.
14. Sunwolves (up 2)
Have all the defensive integrity of a pin-pricked condom. But still play entertaining footy.
15. Bulls (N/C)
If Nollis Marais keeps his job I will be amazed. It’s not that he’s a bad coach, it’s just that his team is not ready to play the way he wants them to play.
16. Cheetahs (down 4)
I have nothing.
17. Rebels (up 2)
Still nothing to show for their efforts, but they showed they can compete against the Tahs last weekend, which will please their fans. Amanaki Mafi is a player they can build around, if they get that chance.
18. Force (down 3)
Slapped like a red-headed step child by the Highlanders.
Comments on RugbyPass
I’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
19 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
19 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
19 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
19 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to comments