Super Rugby Power Rankings: What's happened to the South Islanders?

Analysis: The Highlanders are rivalling the Crusaders with their ability to get worse every week, writes Patrick McKendry.

(8 wins) beat Drua 38-15

(Table position: 1)

(PR: No change)

On the Hurricanes roll. Not even temperatures approaching 29C and 100% humidity in Suva could derail them against the Drua, a side now genuinely tough to beat at home. They've lost hooker Asafo Aumua to a knee problem but they're playing with such clarity and confidence that it's difficult to see them losing at all in the regular season. They've got the Brumbies next.

(4 wins, 4 losses) beat Highlanders 31-0

(6)

(PR: Up 7)

The Reds were made to look like potential champions by a Highlanders side rivalling the Crusaders with their ability to get worse by the week. The Reds aren't that good. It begs the question: What's happened to the South Islanders? And also: How bad is it going to get?

(7 wins, 1 loss) beat Brumbies 46-7

(2)

(PR: NC)

Maybe it's the hype around the Warriors but the Blues are quietly positioning themselves to go deep into the playoffs. They have a game plan and toughness under Vern Cotter which suggests they have what it takes to maybe even go all the way.

(2 wins, 6 losses) beat Crusaders 37-15

(11)

(PR: Up 7)

The Force have beaten the Crusaders before — but usually in the old days when the red and blacks were on their way home from South Africa. This was different — a demolition against a side who appear close to disarray tactically.

(5 wins, 3 losses) bye

(4)

(PR: NC)

The Rebels remain in fourth place despite their bye and travel to Christchurch to play the Crusaders. They have every right to feel confident about a groundbreaking win.

(3 wins, 5 losses) bye

(8)

(PR: NC)

It's the battle for the Pacific in Super Rugby Pacific between Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua in Lautoka. The hostile venue alone will make the Drua big favourites.

(2 wins, 6 losses) bye

(9)

(PR: NC)

Look out, the Chiefs are coming. A defeat will hurt the Tahs' top-eight hopes but given the paucity of talent under them on the table, maybe not too much.

(5 wins, 3 losses) bye

(5)

PR: (NC)

After the weekend's bye, and before that a defeat to the Hurricanes, the Chiefs should be raring to go in Sydney.

(6 wins, 2 losses) lost to Blues 7-46

(3)

(PR: Down 7)

This result probably highlighted the quality of the Blues rather than anything else. Having said that, the Brumbies host the Hurricanes next so that third-place position on the table is looking tenuous.

(3 wins, 5 losses) Lost to Hurricanes 15-38

(7)

(PR: Down 2)

They lost at home to a championship-quality side but are still in the playoff mix.

(2 wins, 6 losses) lost to Reds 0-31

(10)

(PR: Down 1)

After a promising start to the season, the Highlanders are fraying at the edges. This was a bad one.

(1 win, 7 losses) lost to Force 15-37

(12)

PR: (NC)

Rock bottom in nearly every sense.