Super Rugby Round 6 Power Rankings

1. Chiefs [+3] (5–0–1) — The Chiefs were strong in their defeat of the Brumbies, running in seven tries to two in another attacking master class. Outside backs James Lowe and Damian McKenzie were big stars with some impressive numbers, The Waiakto boys will certainly fancy their chances at home this weekend to the Blues.

2. Stormers [-1] (4–0–1) — Had the bye and due to the Chiefs strong win over fellow contender the Brumbies, see themselves drop one spot. Will be confident of a win this week against a travel weary Sunwolves side.

3. Highlanders [-1] (5–0–1) — Were Solid but not strong against the Force, need to be performing at a higher level and not just getting the job done if they are to challenge for back to back titles.

4. Crusaders [+2] (4–0–1) — Ground out a win in a point a minute thriller against the much improved Lions, need to continue that form as they face a short turn around ahead off their match up in Perth with the Force.

5. Sharks [0] (3–1–1) — Fresh off the bye, they take on the Lions at home in Durban and will need to be on their game otherwise they may find themselves losing top spot in their conference

6. Hurricanes [+1] (3–0–2) — Had the bye last week and thanks to other results have snuck up a spot. Will need to be on their game against the Argentinians at home this week, if they are on they should however be confident of a win.

7. Bulls [+1] (3–1–1) — Got it done in a nail biter against the Cheetahs and home, need to be much more clinical against the lower tier sides if they are to establish themselves as a power house in the African conference.

8. Brumbies [-5] (4–0–2) — Were disappointing against the Chiefs and it appears that coach Stephen Larkham may have had them peaking too early in 2016, they certainly need to take this week’s bye and use it as a point to mount their climb back amongst the contenders.

9. Lions [0] (3–0–2) — Weren’t that far away from rolling an impressive Crusaders outfit, however nearly results won’t be enough to play finals football and they need to convert some more of these close losses into wins and more than one measly bonus point.

10. Waratahs [0] (2–0–3) — Played well in patches but were outgunned by a better performing Rebels team. This side is a pale imitation of the squad that took the 2014 trophy and rightfully sit in third spot in the Australian conference well off the pace.

11. Rebels [+1] (4–0–2) — Probably a little tough having the Rebels here but not much separates them and the Waratahs as this weekend’s result showed. They have however been hammered in a couple of games where as the Waratahs are yet to be truly trounced. Will relish this week’s bye to freshen up after a tough couple of weeks against the Highlanders & Waratahs.

12. Blues [+1] (2–1–2) — Got the home win against the travelling Jagaures but weren’t convincing as they again relied heavily on the Ihaia West show to get it done, more members of their starting 15 and wider 23 man game day squads need to be stepping up and lending a hand. Will have their work cut out this Friday on the road to Waikato.

13. Jaguares [-2] (1–0–4) — Took the long road trip from Buenos Aires to the land of the long white cloud and struggled to adjust, it gets no easier as they now take on the Hurricanes who prior to their bye were just starting to click as an attacking unit.

14. Cheetahs [0] (1–0–5) — Really weren’t that far away from a win against the Bulls, and should have seized the upset, but couldn’t quite grasp it. Need to embrace their rest week ahead of hosting the Sunwolves and then a three week trip down under, which will be make or break for their campaign.

15. Reds [+1] (0–1–4) — For only the second time this season the Reds got through a round without a loss, unfortunately it was no more consoling than their draw with the Blues as they enjoyed their scheduled bye. Their finals chances are all but over, but they now are starting to hit their stride. Will certainly provide some nuisance value in the coming weeks

16. Force [-1] (1–0–5) — Were in the contest at times against the Highlanders, although we felt they never really threatened to collect the win on the road, really need to find that killer edge that they seem to currently lack.

17. Sunwolves [0] (0–0–5) — Were unlucky not to chalk their first win of the season as they were outpointed in a 4 try all match versus the Kings in Capetown. It wont be any easier this week as they face the Stormers fresh off the bye at Newlands.

18. Kings [0] (1–0–4) — Got a win thanks to goal kicking against the Sunwolves, still had some real issues in defence that need to be addressed if they want to compete with anyone else barring the Japanese outfit.