Super Rugby power rankings: Crusaders back on track, but for how long?

Analysis: The defending champions were the big movers over the weekend after thrashing the Rebels but questions remain about their ability to handle pressure, writes Patrick McKendry.

(8 wins, 1 loss) beat Reds 34-27

(Table position: 2)

(Power Rankings: Up 2)

We waxed lyrical over how good the Blues looked here yesterday so we’ll show a little restraint today. Suffice it to say, they looked good, and Hoskins Sototu looked very good indeed. They’re on their way up the ladder and possibly to a first proper title (not counting the trans Tasman trophy in 2021) since 2003.

(7 wins, 2 losses) beat Hurricanes 27-19

(3)

(PR: up 7)

In bouncing back from a comprehensive defeat to the Blues at Eden Park to become the first side to beat the Hurricanes this season, the Brumbies once again proved they are the best and most consistent Aussie franchise. This result will be a huge boost for the men from Canberra.

(6 wins, 3 losses) beat Waratahs 38-22

(4)

PR: (Up 5)

After 19 minutes in Sydney, the Chiefs were 12-0 down and without lock Tupou Vaa’i and wing Emoni Narawa due to yellow cards. A double from Narawa on his return and another inspirational performance from Damian McKenzie turned things around. It was fairly comfortable in the end but the Chiefs can’t continue to give away leads like that.

(2 wins, 7 losses) beat Rebels 39-0

(10)

PR: (Up 8)

The defending champs showed they aren’t quite a busted flush by smacking a Rebels side that began the game fourth on the table. The Crusaders started it dead last. Both positions were misleading. The under-pressure Crusaders went back to their traditional strength up front to rip the Rebels apart, with Scott Barrett making a huge difference on his return. On this evidence the red and blacks will probably sneak into the playoffs but big questions remain about how they will cope against a team of real quality.

(3 wins, 6 losses) beat Force 7-6

(8)

(PR: Up 6)

In a high-scoring round, this was a throwback to another era. The Highlanders scored their last points in the 48th minute and then had to desperately hold on after the Force narrowed the gap to one point six minutes later. The Force will rue Ben Donaldson’s penalty miss halfway through the second half. After scoring zero points against the Reds last week, the Highlanders will take it. It wasn’t convincing, though.

(4 wins, 5 losses) beat Moana Pasifika 24-17

(7)

(PR: Up 3)

The now notorious Lautoka heat and humidity helped the Drua claim another victim in Moana Pasifika, who just couldn’t maintain possession for long enough, although they did mount a useful comeback.

(4 wins, 5 losses) lost to Blues 27-34

(6)

(PR: Down 5)

After spanking the Highlanders in Brisbane, the Reds went on a third-quarter tear against the Blues, helped largely by their little left wing Tim Ryan, who scored a remarkable hat-trick of tries in his starting debut. Ryan is a name to remember and not only for Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who was in attendance. Unfortunately for Ryan and the Reds, however, this Blues team is a very good one.

(8 wins, 1 loss)

(1)

(PR: Down 7)

A defeat in Canberra and a tumbling down the rankings but it should be noted that the Hurricanes remain first on the table and host a fairly average Waratahs team next weekend.

(2 wins, 7 losses) lost to Highlanders 6-7

(12)

(PR: Down 5)

After their demolition of the Crusaders in Perth, the Force crashed to earth at the bottom of the South Island. The removal of their influential skipper and halfback Nic White for the final 15 minutes was a head scratcher.

(2 wins, 7 losses) lost to Chiefs 22-38

(11)

(PR: Down 4)

The Sydneysiders showed a bit of grit against the Chiefs but are drifting out of playoffs contention now.

(3 wins, 6 losses) lost to Drua 17-24

(9)

(PR: Down 5)

Disappointment in Fiji, but Moana should have high hopes for their next fixture: a match against the struggling Highlanders in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Saturday afternoon.

(5 wins, 4 losses) lost to Crusaders 0-39

(5)

(PR: Down 7)

Offered very little in Christchurch and made a mockery of their fourth place on the table. The Rebels are now fifth and one suspects they will continue falling.