Super Rugby power rankings: Did Crusaders just expose the Blues?

Analysis: The defending champs are unlikely to make the playoffs but they highlighted several vulnerabilities within their old rivals, writes Patrick McKendry.

(11 wins, 2 losses) beat Chiefs 20-17

(2)

(Power rankings: Up 1)

Hooker Raymond Tuputupu was dismissed after only eight minutes. An issue for the Canes? Apparently not, with Jordie Barrett and Xavier Numia scoring converted tries. Their sparkling attack appeared almost irresistible. Then came the Chiefs’ second-half comeback. A cracking game with a controversial ending.

(11 wins, 2 losses) beat Rebels 53-17

(3)

(PR: Up 1)

A comprehensive win which keeps the Brumbies on track to host the Highlanders in a quarter-final.

(11 wins, 2 losses) lost to Crusaders 27-29

(1)

(PR: Down 2)

Before this defeat to the old enemy in Christchurch the Blues’ defence looked near impregnable and their pack close to unstoppable. Not so now. Vern Cotter’s men still have work to do. Did the Crusaders just expose their vulnerabilities? Yes, clearly. We’ll know more after Saturday night when the Blues host the Chiefs.

(9 wins, 4 losses) lost to Hurricanes 17-20

(4)

(PR: down 1)

An enthralling match in Hamilton finished, for the Chiefs, in just about the sourest way possible – Luke Jacobson penalised for making a dominant tackle and being pinned in the resulting ruck by two Hurricanes players flopping on top of him. It appeared harsh. Brett Cameron coolly kicked the penalty and that was that.

(6 wins, 7 losses) beat Drua 39-3

(6)

(PR: Up 5)

They’ve made it. After failing to make the playoffs last year, the Highlanders have already qualified with a round remaining. Their electric back three of Jona Nareki, Jacob Ratumaitavuki–Kneepkens and Timoci Tavatavanawai paved the way for this demolition of the Drua. They’ll be a handful in their quarter-final – probably against the Brumbies.

(4 wins, 9 losses) beat Waratahs 27-12

(11)

(PR: Up 2)

A near perfect sendoff for skipper Sekope Kepu, who scored a try in his final home match in a comprehensive Moana victory. It was offload city at Mt Smart against a down-and-out Waratahs side.

(7 wins, 6 losses) beat Force 59-13

(5)

(PR: Up 2)

A nice warm-up for what is likely to be another big victory over their closest rivals the Waratahs next weekend.

(3 wins, 10 losses) beat Blues 29-27

(10)

(PR: Up 4)

Credit this victory – only their third of the season – to a vastly improved effort from their pack and the strategic ability and execution of No.10 Fergus Burke. Hooker Codie Taylor is very much on form after his extended break. This was an important win for the Crusaders during their heritage week, but it probably won’t be enough to get them into the playoffs.

(5 wins, 8 losses) lost to Highlanders 3-39

(8)

(PR: Down 3)

The Drua appeared out of their comfort zone in Dunedin and their search for a win in New Zealand continues. They hardly fired a shot under the roof but are likely to be far better at a humid Lautoka next Saturday. A win over the Rebels – and they will be hot favourites – will be enough to qualify for a quarter-final.

(5 wins, 7 losses) lost to Brumbies 17-53

(7)

(PR: Down 3)

An extremely unlikely win for the Rebels against the Drua in Lautoka will open the door for the Crusaders to qualify. In all likelihood they will lose badly, finish eighth, and fall at the first playoff hurdle at the hands of the Blues or Hurricanes.

(4 wins, 9 losses) lost to Reds 13-59

(9)

(PR: Down 6)

Incredibly, they are still in with a chance of making the playoffs – a hypothetical that will surely end at home next weekend at the hands of the Brumbies.

(2 wins, 11 losses) lost to Moana Pasifika 12-27

(12)

(PR: Down 1)

One round to go before a merciful release for the Waratahs and their fans.