After two rounds of Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021, Patrick McKendry ranks New Zealand's contenders and pretenders.
1. Crusaders
(Crusaders 33 Hurricanes 16) (Last week: 1st)
A controlled performance which will have further endeared them to their many supporters and disgusted their many detractors. You either love them or hate themand the widely-held impression the Crusaders didn't need to get out of third gear to beat the Hurricanes will likely entrench those positions.
Biggest mystery: Such is their ability to strike almost at will – and inevitably just before halftime – and defend their line with an intensity bordering on obsessiveness, the biggest question mark in terms of the Super Rugby Aotearoa grand final is who the opposition will be in Christchurch in a decider tentatively scheduled for May 8.
Problems on the horizon: Very few. They looked a little lethargic early against the Hurricanes, the visitors taking a 6-0 lead, but then they scored three converted tries during the time Ardie Savea was in the sinbin and that was that. If troubled, they can simply control matters with their set piece. Their huge depth requires careful management in terms of managing game time expectations but, as ever, Scott Robertson appears to have a handle on that.
Special mention: Sevu Reece is quick, very quick. How he chased down Jackson Garden-Bachop after giving the Hurricanes' No 10 a good head start (and running around the trailing Leicester Fainga'anuku) is anyone's guess.
2. Highlanders
(Chiefs 23 Highlanders 39) (Last week: 3rd)
The Highlanders are the big movers this week but there was a point in their match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday where their gear lever was stuck in reverse and they were travelling in the wrong direction far too quick for comfort. Penalty-pressure compounded the problems on the scoreboard. And yet they were inspired by yet another piece of Jona Nareki magic and won the second half by a whopping margin of 28-3.
Biggest mystery: The Highlanders were on the wrong end of an official's call last weekend when Joe Moody wasn't sanctioned for whacking Jack Regan five times in the face and the Power Ranker (not intended to be rhyming slang) was once again confused that no official felt the need to review a mid-air tackle by Chiefs wing Etene Nanai-Seturo on Highlanders opposite Connor Garden-Bachop. The latter fell heavily from a good height and players from both sides stopped momentarily. It appeared a penalty at minimum.
Problems on the horizon: They gave up a lead to the Crusaders in round one and were in a deep hole against the Chiefs. The Highlanders need better starts.
Special mention: Nareki's hat-trick of tries and general slipperiness deserves a nod, but so too does Aaron Smith's influence at halfback when replacing the very good Folau Fakatava. It's a heck of a one-two punch.
Jona Nareki was elusive once again for the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport
3. Blues
(bye) (Last week: 2nd)
The Blues should be well rested and looking forward to their first home game of the season on Sunday afternoon when they host the Highlanders at Eden Park. Given the hidings handed out to their North Island rivals the Chiefs and Hurricanes, the Blues have slipped only one place following their bye.
Biggest mystery: How they will cope with being away from home for a week during level two lockdown. It's nothing like what the Breakers and Warriors are dealing with in Australia, but athletes are creatures of habit.
Problems on the horizon: A little ring-rust maybe?
Special mention: Lost in last week's round-up of their excellent win over the Hurricanes in Wellington was how fit and well Rieko Ioane looks. Ioane v Jona Nareki on Sunday is a prospect to savour.
A good start in Christchurch quickly turned to custard for a side now 0-2 and with a week off.
Biggest mystery: Why centre Peter Umaga-Jensen wasn't used more as an attacking option by the Hurricanes.
Problems on the horizon: Their tight five looks under-powered. And Asafo Aumua's shoulder injury in the second half is an issue Jason Holland and his coaching staff did not need. The hooker has been excellent over the opening fortnight of the season. Replacement Ricky Riccitelli's lineout yips compounded matters.
Special mention: Skipper Ardie Savea is far and away their best and most consistent player. Someone needs to stand up and help him.
5. Chiefs
(Chiefs 23 Highlanders 39) (Last week: 4th)
A dejected Sam Cane after the Chiefs' season-opening loss to the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport
Last week this column wondered how the Chiefs, who had a bye in round one, would fare under new coach Clayton McMillan after losing nine on the trot, including all Super Rugby Aotearoa games, in 2020. After a very impressive start against the Highlanders on Friday, we had our answer. It's not a pleasant one for Chiefs' supporters.
Biggest mystery: Where their next win is coming from. They play the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
Problems on the horizon: The looming prospect of a record-breaking losing streak for a New Zealand Super Rugby team. The Highlanders hold that dubious honour with 11 consecutive defeats in 2012/2013. Lose to the Crusaders and they've matched it.
Special mention: Luke Jacobson, the loose forward unwanted by the All Blacks last year, was powerful in the first half.
