Super Rugby power rankings: Chiefs find spark ahead of Canes clash

Analysis: We have a derby match to savour at last when the Hurricanes host Damian McKenzie and company on Saturday, writes Patrick McKendry.

(5 wins, 2 losses) beat Moana Pasifika 68-12

(4)

(PR: up 6)

The Chiefs got back on track after their loss to the Crusaders by spanking Moana Pasifika. The Mooloo men’s upcoming clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington will be one of the most anticipated of the season after a bizarre round featured byes for the Crusaders, Hurricanes and Highlanders.

(6 wins, 1 loss) beat Waratahs 40-16

(3)

(PR: Up 1)

The big question over whether the Brumbies are real contenders remains. Still, you can only beat who you play and the Waratahs are not very good. Loose forward Rob Valetini is in destructive form.

(6 wins, 1 loss) beat Force 50-3

(1)

(PR: Up 3)

A regulation win over the Force at Eden Park has sent the Blues to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table ahead of the bye. Midfielder Corey Evans celebrated a rare start with a well-taken intercept try. Their week off presumably gave Caleb Clarke the chance to sit near the sideline for the Warriors’ big win over his beloved Rabbitohs. He seemed happy enough, though, and so he should.

(6 wins, 0 losses) bye

(2)

(PR: down 2)

Will they be rested or rusty after the bye? Who knows, but after an empty round which featured only four matches, it will be nice to find out on Saturday when the unbeaten Canes host the Chiefs.

(4 wins, 3 losses) beat Fijian Drua 41-20

(5)

(PR: Up 1)

The Rebels are up to fifth on the table. Yes, you read that right. The Drua had two men sent off in the second half, including halfback Frank Lomani for aiming an elbow to the back of an opponent’s head. Then prop Jone Koroiduadua headbutted Rebels hooker Alex Mafi in front of the referee. Crazy stuff.

(1 win, 5 losses) bye

(11)

PR: down 4

The week off meant they couldn’t capitalise on their breakout win over the Chiefs, but it also meant they couldn’t lose more players to injury. Probably a win for the defending champions.

(3 wins, 3 losses) bye

(6)

(PR: Up 3)

After close losses to the Hurricanes, Force and Brumbies, and a win over the Chiefs, it’s difficult to know where this team is at. They’ll definitely be in Whangārei to play Moana Pasifika on Friday.

(2 wins, 4 losses) bye

(8)

(PR: Up 1)

Had a bye after their big loss to the Hurricanes. It was probably timely.

(3 wins, 4 losses) lost to Rebels 20-41

(7)

(PR: down 4)

Let down by rank ill-discipline – see above.

(2 wins, 4 losses) lost to Blues 8-47

(9)

(PR: Up 1)

Never a chance but they may hope for a better result on Friday when they host the Reds.

(1 win, 6 losses) lost to Brumbies 16-40

(10)

(PR: Up 1)

Simply awful but slightly better than the Force.

(1 wins 6 losses) lost to the Blues 3-50

(12)

(PR: Down 4)

Never in it and currently the worst team in the competition.