Super Rugby power rankings: Chiefs must lift game for Hurricanes

Analysis: They had to scramble to beat the Rebels after building a big lead in Melbourne. The Hurricanes will punish a similar slip, writes Patrick McKendry.

(11 wins, 1 loss) beat Highlanders 47-13

(Table position: 1)

(Power Ranking: No change)

A demolition job on the Highlanders, this, and it was created by a rock-solid set piece and an almost impregnable defence. Impressive. They’ll be big favourites to put the final nail in the Crusaders’ coffin in Christchurch on Saturday.

(10 wins, 2 losses) beat Moana Pasifika 32-24

(2)

(PR: NC)

A re-jigged line-up and a backline without Jordie Barrett and Ruben Love had too much firepower for Moana Pasifika and the game was all but up at 19-0 after 24 minutes.

(10 wins, 2 losses) beat Crusaders 31-24

(3)

(PR: up 1)

The Brumbies enjoyed an extraordinary run of luck in this game including a penalty try at the end from Quenten Strange’s slap at the ball behind the tryline which — according to the laws — was anything but a penalty try. Still, they’ve qualified for a home quarter-final and will be tough to beat in Canberra.

(9 wins, 3 losses) beat Rebels 26-23

(4)

(PR: down 1)

The Chiefs were guilty of losing concentration after taking what they may have felt was a game-winning 23-11 lead after 53 minutes at a rainy AAMI Park in Melbourne. The Rebels showed brilliant composure and execution in putting right wing Lachie Anderson over for two late tries and the game was in the balance until Damian McKenzie’s late penalty. Probably a blip for the Chiefs more than anything but they’ll have to lift their game for Friday’s visit of the Hurricanes.

(4 wins, 8 losses) beat Waratahs 27-7

(9)

(PR: Up 2)

This was a strange match in which the Force replied to Mark Nawaqanitawase’s early converted try with 20 unanswered points to lead 20-7 at halftime. A converted try for Kiwi loose forward Reed Prinsep sealed it after the break.

(5 wins, 7 losses) beat Reds 28-19

(8)

(PR: Up 5)

Another win in Fiji for the Drua, and this one was helped by an extraordinary meltdown from Reds wing Suliasi Vunivalu, who was shown two yellow cards (and a red) for a foot trip in each half. In a move which will not help the blood pressure of the Reds’ coaching staff, the Drua elected to take a penalty shot after the final siren, thus denying the visitors a losing bonus point. Deadly stuff.

(5 wins, 7 losses) lost to Chiefs 23-26

(6)

(PR: up 2)

A win would have guaranteed the Rebels a first ever playoffs spot but they remain on track after this close loss. A bit more discipline and they may have got home for a famous win.

(3 wins, 9 losses) Lost to Hurricanes 24-32

(11)

(PR: Up 3)

We’re searching for positives here... Moana outscored the Hurricanes two tries to one in the second half in Wellington and, with three victories this season, that’s one more than the Crusaders — who they play in the final round in Christchurch.

(6 wins, 6 losses) lost to Drua 19-28

(5)

(PR: down 4)

They hung in there well in Suva, considering, and appear destined to finish fifth overall, with a playoff against the Chiefs in Hamilton to come. In reality, the Reds may prefer to finish sixth for a potentially easier quarter-final against the Brumbies.

(5 wins, 7 losses) lost to Blues 13-47

(7)

(PR: NC)

A nifty try off an attacking scrum for Timoci Tavatavanawai and Cam Millar’s continued excellent goal kicking were virtually the only highlights for the Highlanders at Eden Park.

(2 wins, 10 losses) lost to Force 7-27

(12)

(PR: NC)

A bad one, this, and a defeat too far for the franchise management, who sacked coach Darren Coleman afterwards. A curiosity of their season is that their two wins came against the defending champion Crusaders. Coleman’s win-loss record this season is the same as Rob Penney’s.

(2 wins, 10 losses) lost to Brumbies 24-31

(10)

(PR: NC)

They had two tries disallowed but could have forced the game into extra time but for Quenten Strange’s brain explosion at the end. It was almost the story of their season.