The Hurricanes show rolls on, the win streak now six, and counting. There were also quality bounce-back victories for the Highlanders and Chiefs and more misery in the Blues' season from hell. Here are your Super Rugby's Power Rankings after round seven:
1 Hurricanes (last week #1)
The streak is up to a half-dozen, and just one off equalling the franchise best of seven, set back in 2003. The funny thing is the Canes still haven't uncorked their best stuff on attack – an upside they may need as their schedule gets tougher over the second half. The Rebels were little more than a speed bump this round, even with Julian Savea and Beauden Barrett rested. Special mention to Ma'a Nonu's defence – destructive and disciplined. Enjoy this Canes fans, you've earned it.
2 Chiefs (last week #2)
Another team still building towards its best, but racking up the wins meantime. Somehow led 14-13 at the end of a horrible first half against the Cheetahs, but scooted away comfortably enough in the second. On the back of the trip home from Africa, commendable, but Dave Rennie will make it clear this week that they still have a long way to go. Standout effort from little halfback Brad Weber leaves All Black tourist Augustine Pulu plenty to think about.
3 Waratahs (last week #6)
Second straight home win has the Tahs breathing down the necks of the Brumbies at the top of the Aussie conference. Took their time putting the clueless Blues away, but got there eventually. The champs still have a fair way to go, but head into the bye content they've got themselves right back into the mix.
4 Highlanders (last week #7)
Arguably the performance of the round, despatching the Stormers with ease under the roof of the Glasshouse. Continue to turn Blues rejects into world-beaters too, with Waisake Naholo striking twice, and how about Aaron Smith's sneaky score against the uprights? Schedule quirks meant a bright start was essential, and have mostly achieved that.
5 Brumbies (last week #5)
Hold their spot on the basis that you shouldn't lose ground on your bye week. Be interesting to see what sort of urgency and intensity they return with after two weeks stewing on that spiteful defeat to the 'Tahs in Sydney.
6 Bulls (last week #9)
Any win over the Crusaders is a goodie, especially when the Red and Blacks have rumbled into some decent form behind the return of a couple of key All Blacks. The Bulls did it the hard way, and needed a bit of help from a generous referee, but they've now won four straight to well and truly answer those back to back defeats to open the season.
7 Sharks (last week #8)
Another team winning ugly, but winning nonetheless. The Sharks have now rattled off three straight victories, their latest coming in scrappy style over the limited Force outfit in Durban. May be yet to find any sort of rhythm, but, yes, that's them at the top of the South African conference.
8 Crusaders (last week #4)
Really disappointing defeat after they had posted 91 points in two big wins off their round-four bye. Paid the price in Pretoria for turnovers (19) and penalties (14) and still haven't won there since 2008. Digging themselves a deep hole as they lie 13 points behind the conference-topping Canes. A déjà-vu feel about another below-par first half of the season.
9 Lions (last week #10)
You would have got huge odds on the boys from Jo'burg winning three of four on tour after opening the season with three straight defeats. But after rolling the Reds in a thriller to back up on victories at the Blues and Rebels, that's exactly what they've done. No-one tries harder than these blokes.
10 Stormers (last week #3)
Disappointing effort in Dunedin makes it two defeats on the bounce after that 4-0 start. Doesn't get any easier this week as they head to the Cake Tin to take on the unbeaten Canes, and will need to tighten their game considerably to halt that runaway caboose.
11 Cheetahs (last week #12)
A big improvement on their effort in Christchurch, but still rolled with some comfort by the Chiefs. Have now lost four on the trot and are heading in the wrong direction fast. Play some positive rugby but need to improve their defensive structure.
12 Rebels (last week #11)
Better than their 2-4 record suggests, but lack the firepower to put teams away. Had truckloads of possession in Wellington but still thumped five tries to none. Got to figure this out if they're to take the step from pretenders to contenders.
13 Force (last week #13)
Two big efforts in South Africa and two defeats. Another side that hasn't figured out how to convert possession and pressure into points. Have now lost six straight since their opening-round upset of the 'Tahs.
14 Blues (last week #14)
Believe it or not, Sir John Kirwan says there's still hope, despite an 0-6 record and just four competition points. That is all mathematical. The reality is that after another what-could-have-been defeat, this one 23-11 by the 'Tahs in Sydney, the Blues' playoff hopes are history. Now the Cricket World Cup has ended, expect the media pressure to ramp up on this perpetually under-achieving franchise.
15 Reds (last week #15)
Hopes were high that the return of Quade Cooper would turn things round in Brisbane. Alas it wasn't to be as the Reds crashed to a disappointing home defeat to the Lions for their fourth loss on the bounce. A coin-toss between them and the Blues for the wooden spoon, but, wouldn't you know it, they lose that too.
- Stuff
