A great win against the Rebels, full of sharp ball handling and running as the 50–3 scoreline indicated. Next job: provethey aren't just flat track bullies.
Weak Australian teams are made for the Blues, who should prosper again against the Waratahs at Eden Park. And the draw looks fairly favourable, with the one big sticking point being a trip to Brisbane.
Leicester Fainga'anuku of the Crusaders shrugs off a Brumbies defender. Photo / Photosport
Latest result: Beat Brumbies 31-29
Record: 1-0
Last week: N/A
The champions are more vulnerable than their five consecutive titles suggest. There have been too many sub-par performances this year, including at their Christchurch fortress.
The return of Scott Barrett is vital, and they will be primed for one of their famous bounce backs in Brisbane, after an escape against the Brumbies.
And there's always Richie Mo'unga's magic to get them out of scrapes.
3. Highlanders
Jona Nareki of the Highlanders in action. Photo / Photosport
Beating the Reds was a massive boost to their chances and will have settled any nerves following head coach Tony Brown's shift to Japan for the rest of the season.
Aaron Smith's exceptional passing game gives the Highlanders options unavailable to most teams – that alone makes them dark horse chances.
Overcame some hurdles to sneak home against the Force – they got away with the points while getting a sharp reminder that some Australian teams can't be taken lightly.
The travel to Perth and back will have taken a toll so the well-organised Brumbies at home looks like a very tricky assignment.
Discipline a problem too, and Damian McKenzie's goalkicking has tanked.
5. Hurricanes
Jordie Barrett of the Hurricanes scores a try. Photo / Photosport
Latest result: Beat Waratahs 64-48
Record: 1-0
Last week: N/A
Attack is the Hurricanes' only chance. On Super Rugby Aotearoa form, they are a team which just can't stay in the grind.
The Waratahs proved the perfect opening round opposition, giving the Hurricanes the space to get their running up to speed. But again, there wasn't enough defensive resolve.
They should smash the Rebels this week. Then it gets a bit harder.
🔢 STANDINGS | Here's the situation after round one of Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. pic.twitter.com/f9Svp2bllG
