We're back after a two-week hiatus. Sorry 'bout that, but prescribed rest is prescribed rest, even in the press box. So what have we had in round 10? Well, the Hurricanes have finally been beaten, the Chiefs made another of those major statements of theirs, the Crusaders' decline continued and road teams won six of seven games in a weekend littered with upsets. That, of course, adds up to plenty of movement in the rankings:
1 Chiefs (last week #2)
This was a quality performance, outplaying the Crusaders in all facets, and in Christchurch to boot. From that unheralded tight five ruffling a few All Black feathers, to Sam Cane outdueling the Great One, to Michael Leitch being this year's Matt Vant Leven to SBW, James Lowe and TNW bringing their special qualities in the backs, this was a marker laid down by a team that will take some beating down the business end. Being brilliantly led by Liam Messam, too.
2 Hurricanes (last week 1)
The streak is over. But Saturday's sloppy home defeat to the Waratahs may end up being a good things for a Canes outfit that probably needed a reminder of what it takes to win the really big games at this level. Seven on the trot came a little too easily; now they can refocus for a much tougher run home. Still doing plenty to be enthused about on attack, but some defensive issues and howlers from the talented Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett should see the resolve ratcheted up this week.
3 Bulls (last week 6)
In case you haven't been paying attention, the big fellas from the high veldt have won six of their last seven since starting their season with two home defeats, and now lead the Saffa conference. Though wins in Durban aren't worth what they used to be, this was another indication this well-drilled team is very much heading in the right direction. Still haven't toured but back in the race.
4 Highlanders (last week 4)
Ended up being a lot closer than it should have, but 40 minutes of quality footy in The Glasshouse were enough to put away the Blues (just) for a third win on the bounce. This wasn't the consummate display of the week previous in Christchurch, but still enough to enthuse over. Interesting, too, that the most influential Highlanders were former Blues Waisake Naholo (what a loss this bloke will be as he too heads offshore) and Malakai Fekitoa. Brums next in Canberra.
5 Stormers (last week 10)
Back-to-back wins in Australia end their tour on a positive note, and gets the men from Cape Town back among the mix in a tight African conference. Made hard work of a very limited Force outfit in Perth, but are in a much better place than they were a fortnight back after consecutive defeats in New Zealand.
6 Waratahs (last week 3)
This was more like it from the champs after their home shocker last week against the Stormers. Their big pack made ground up the middle and their speedy backs found holes to run through. Peter Betham made the most of his chance on the wing, while Israel Folau produced a welcome return to the form they're paying him the big bucks for.
7 Brumbies (last week 5)
Two straight defeats now, and this one at home in decidedly pro-Brumbies conditions (ie wet) against a gritty but limited Rebels outfit. Too early to say the rot has set in but will need to play a lot better to see off the Highlanders on Friday night. Surely will.
8 Lions (last week 9)
A bye stymied the momentum of four straight wins, but now these guys have worked their way back into the mix, will be interesting to see if they can kick on with it. Should make it five on the bounce with the struggling Cheetahs at home this week.
9 Crusaders (last week 8)
Still time to arrest the decline and keep alive that remarkable run of consecutive playoff appearances since 2001, but only just. A second straight home defeat was a worrying plunge, even against a side as good as the Chiefs. What's more, quality All Blacks seem to have lost their mojo across the board. Biggest test of Todd Blackadder's regime looms.
10 Rebels (last week 12)
There's nothing especially pretty about this rag-tag bunch from Melbourne, but they continue to thrive in the underdog role, especially on the road. A grind-out win in Canberra on top of that season-opening upset in Christchurch shows these guys can't be taken lightly.
11 Sharks (last week 7)
Three straight defeats including two in a row at home have the men from Durban heading in the wrong direction fast at 4-6 and 21 points. With two byes and their tour still to come, now wedged firmly between a rock and a hard place.
12 Reds (last week 15)
Nothing comes easy for the Queenslanders these days, but at least managed to snap a six-game losing streak with an 18-17 win over the Cheetahs in Bloem to finish their tour on a high note. Most notable sight: James O'Connor setting up two tries after halftime with some sizzling creativity.
13 Cheetahs (last week 11)
That upset in Perth the week previous was undone as the stragglers let this one slip at home to the Reds. Looked like they might have done enough, before falling to a late dropped goal from Nick Frisby.
14 Blues (last week 14)
Yes, that was a gutsy second-half effort. But the upshot is that the team representing New Zealand's most populous region is now 1-8 and can start planning now for next season. This one is toast, baby.
15 Force (last week 13)
It takes a lot to be below the Blues, but the West Australians earn that right on the back of eight straight defeats, including four on their home deck. At least they were close this week.
- Stuff.co.nz
