Damian McKenzie in action against the Blues. Photo / Photosport
Damian McKenzie in action against the Blues. Photo / Photosport
OPINION:
There is a new number one on the Herald's Super Rugby Aotearoa power rankings after an eventful round 5. Who has pipped the Crusaders for this week's top spot? Patrick McKendry ranks New Zealand's contenders and pretenders.
1. Chiefs
Damian McKenzie in action against the Blues. Photo / Photosport
At 12-8 down and little livewire Damian McKenzie shaking his head in disappointment at his kick-pass which went into touch around halfway with about three minutes remaining, the Chiefs had no right to win this. McKenzie could see the writing on the wall and it wasn't good reading. But win they did, thanks to Luke Jacobson's stunning break, finished off by you know who. The Chiefs hung tough, have won two in a row, and find themselves very much on the up.
Biggest mystery:
How the Blues lost this one after appearing to be in complete control – we'll attempt to explain several levels below.
Everything is a lot rosier at their Ruakura base now after come-from-behind wins over the Hurricanes and now the Blues, their rivals up SH1. So there appears to be little to worry about – Kaleb Trask was excellent at No 10 and they have a deceptively strong and slippery midfielder in the form of Quinn Tupaea. Plus, replacement No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula was lively on his return from injury.
Special mention:
McKenzie. If you could pick anyone to spark a win in a seemingly impossible situation (the Blues' defence was pretty good overall), it would be this guy. An irrepressible bee in a bottle in possession of a nasty sting for tiring opponents.
2. Crusaders
Crusaders coaches Scott Robertson, Jason Ryan and Andrew Goodman during training. Photo / Photosport
Latest result: Bye
Record: 4-0
Last week: 1st
The Crusaders would have had the pleasure of watching two upsets on their weekend off – results which have strengthened their lead on the table. With every team now having had one bye, the Crusaders are eight competition points ahead (of the Blues), with five points separating the rest.
Biggest mystery: How a team that traditionally thrives on hard work will cope after their break – they host the Highlanders on Friday night.
Problems on the horizon:
Not according to the form book or their place on the ladder. The Crusaders are looking virtually untouchable. Special mention: Richie Mo'unga, who saw his Super Rugby Aotearoa individual points scoring record of 28 collected against the Blues, survive for just one week before being eclipsed by Jordie Barrett's 30 against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
3. Hurricanes
Jordie Barrett scores a try. Photo / Photosport
Latest result: Highlanders 19 Hurricanes 30
Record: 1-3
Last week: 5th
The Hurricanes' first win of the season never looked in doubt in Dunedin against a strangely subdued Highlanders who enjoyed plenty of possession but continued to fire blanks.
Biggest mystery:
Why the Hurricanes didn't defend like this the week before against the Chiefs in Wellington. It was a remarkable effort.
Problems on the horizon:
A trip to Eden Park to play what will presumably be a fired-up Blues side who threw it away against the Chiefs.
Special mention:
It would be unfair to overlook Jordie Barrett here for scoring all 30 points and continually troubling the Highlanders with his right foot – both off the tee and out of hand. He can comfortably kick penalties from his side of halfway and Highlanders' first-five Mitch Hunt made a hash of one high floating punt which was described by Sky commentator Rikki Swannell as a "death spiral". Quite.
4. Blues
Rieko Ioane in action against the Chiefs. Photo / Photosport
Latest result: Chiefs 15 Blues 12
Record: 2-2
Last week: 3rd
The big boys from Auckland travelled down the motorway clearly eager to bully the Chiefs up front but instead it was the Blues who had their lunch money nicked.
Biggest mystery:
Well, how they lost a match they should have won is clearly No 1, but No 2 is how their set piece, which went so well against the Crusaders a week earlier, went so poorly in Hamilton.
Problems on the horizon:
Losing this one has allowed the rest of the competition to catch up. Before it looked like they were cruising to a grand final in Christchurch. Now they've left the door open for the three other teams. Was all the talk of the Blues turning a corner a little premature? Possibly, yes.
Special mention:
Tom Robinson – the loose forward was excellent off the bench against the Crusaders and brilliant again in the same role against the Chiefs. His try down the right touchline when he blew past Kaleb Trask and held off Brad Weber was the perfect showcase for his power and speed. He must be pushing for a starting spot.
5. Highlanders
Josh Ioane kicks a penalty. Photo / Photosport
Latest result: Highlanders 19 Hurricanes 30
Record: 1-3
Last week: 4th
Head coach Tony Brown is a master at identifying space and exploiting it, but it's hard to gain a foothold on a match when your forwards are continually knocked backwards. The Hurricanes exposed them here.
Biggest mystery:
Where their next win is coming from, because…
Problems on the horizon:
They face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night with their two chief playmakers Mitch Hunt and Josh Ioane on very different pages.
Special mention:
Shannon Frizell. The Highlanders and All Blacks loose forward lost the ball a couple of times in the second half but, in a struggling pack, Frizell was head and shoulders above his teammates in terms of his physicality and ability to provide some much-needed momentum.
