Super Rugby power rankings: The key to the Hurricanes' success

Analysis: The Hurricanes are still flying, the Chiefs bounced back, and Moana Pasifika enjoyed another win. It was slim pickings elsewhere, writes Patrick McKendry.

(4 wins, 0 losses) beat Crusaders 14-10

(Table position: 1)

(Power rankings: no change)

This latest win against a team struggling for form – actually more than that, for an identity - was never really in doubt. They left it late but once they won a scrum against a seven-man pack on the Crusaders’ line, there was only going to be one result. The Hurricanes are flying and their loose forwards in particular appear dynamic and full of energy. They also have belief. Can they keep it up?

(3 wins, 1 loss) beat Drua 46-29

(3)

(PR: up 3)

Bounced back from their defeat to the Reds with a good win over the Drua. The visitors didn’t let them have it all their own way but once the Chiefs worked the rust from their system and Damian McKenzie assumed control, it was fairly comfortable.

(3 wins, 1 loss) beat Highlanders 27-21

(5)

(PR: up 4)

We wondered last week how good these Brumbies are and we got a definitive answer – pretty good indeed. It’s not easy winning in Dunedin and this Highlanders side punches above its weight, but the Brumbies got it done. They’re a threat.

(3 wins, 1 loss) beat Rebels 53-26

(2)

(PR: down 1)

A regulation win against what will be one of the competition strugglers. The Reds proved their credentials by beating the Chiefs last weekend and are flying high on the table. Here they scored three tries in the opening 22 minutes.

(2 win, 2 losses) beat Force 22-14

(8)

(PR: up 5)

A meritorious win in Perth which was regarded as an upset by some of those across the ditch. The Force have yet to win a game this season. Moana, meanwhile, have nine competition points from four matches. They scored eight from 14 last season.

(3 wins, 1 loss) beat Waratahs 12-10

(4)

(PR: no change)

The Blues prevailed in a match unlikely to excite neutrals. There were more penalties awarded than points scored but the Blues were the least worst and got across the line. They all count.

(1 win, 3 losses) lost to Chiefs 29-46

(10)

(PR: down 3)

There’s nothing quite like watching the Drua pounce on an opponent's mistake and they did it several times against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, they made a few of their own and the Chiefs are good enough to capitalise. The Drua were in this at halftime but conceded two tries in 20 minutes and that was that.

(2 wins, 2 losses) lost to Brumbies 21-27

(6)

(PR: down 6)

This will be a tough one to take after they led the Brumbies 11-7 at halftime. A Sam Gilbert penalty after final siren earned Highlanders a losing bonus point. Skipper Billy Harmon scored in the second half, an indication perhaps that his timing has improved after he was recently dropped from the team for being late to a team meeting.

(1 win, 3 losses) lost to Blues 10-12

(9)

(PR: no change)

They beat the Crusaders and pushed the Highlanders close. Has the bubble burst for the Waratahs?

(2 wins, 2 loss) lost to Reds 26-53

(7)

(PR: down 2)

They’ve got two wins, but the Rebels may struggle from here on. To be fair to the battlers from Melbourne, though, the second half was only 19-20 in the Reds’ favour, so they hung in there. The bad news is that their next opponents are the Hurricanes in Palmerston North.

(0 wins, 4 losses) lost to Hurricanes 10-14

(11)

(PR: no change)

Wing Sevu Reece was good. No.8 Cullen Grace had his moments, and reserve lock Jamie Hannah looks a talent. And that was it. Unfortunately for Hannah, he was in the bin by the end. As was prop Owen Franks. It’s not looking good for the defending champs.

(0 wins, 4 losses) lost to Moana Pasifika 14-22

(12)

(PR: no change)

Put a ring around Saturday, April 20, because that’s when the current two worst teams in the competition play each other in Perth. Honestly, it could go either way.