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Super 14 power rankings
Stephen Samuelson | April 29, 2009
There are nine teams in the hunt for four finals berth, but which teams will stumble in round 12?
1. (3) Hurricanes- Ladder position: 1 (Last week: 4 - 7 wins, 3 losses)
They started the season as co-favourites alongside the Sharks, but while the Durban team have gone backwards, the Hurricanes are building momentum nicely heading into the finals.
2. (1) Chiefs- Ladder position: 3 (Last week: 1 - 6 wins, 4 losses)
Pushed the Bulls all the way, and while they have injury worries, RugbyHeaven believes they are an underestimated team. Stormers game is crunch time.
3. (4) Bulls- Ladder position: 2 (Last week: 5 - 7 wins, 3 losses)
Scored a crucial win against the Chiefs, but with the Force and Sharks to come, the Bulls are not sure things for the finals. They're an effective, but limited team.
4. (5) Sharks- Ladder position: 4 (Last week: 2 - 7 wins, 3 losses)
Can thank the Reds for keeping them in the four despite having the bye. The good news is, their fate is in their hands. The bad: a home final is unlikely.
5. (8) Force- Ladder position: 6 (Last week: 9 - 5 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses)
If they can overcome the Bulls on Saturday, the Force must fancy themselves to make the finals with the Stormers and Highlanders to come. Can't help but think they will screw it up somehow.
6. (9) NSW Waratahs- Ladder position: 7 (Last week: 6 - 6 wins, 4 losses)
Like the Sharks, they can be thankful for the results that went their way in eound 11. Judging by the team they have chosen to play the Cheetahs, the Tahs are chasing bonus points - and they'll need them.
7. (7) Blues- Ladder position: 5 (Last week: 6 - 5 wins, 5 losses)
Just when you think the Blues have turned the corner, they throw in that performance against the Reds. With the Hurricanes, Brumbies and Crusaders to come, the Blues will need more than bonus points to make the finals.
8. (2) Crusaders- Ladder position: 8 (Last week: 8 - 5 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses)
Absolutely blew it. The Crusaders were on a winning run, had a soft run into the finals, but turned in a horrible performance to the last-placed Cheetahs. It's cruelled their chances.
9. (7) ACT Brumbies- Ladder position: 9 (Last week: 7 - 6 wins, 4 losses)
Have failed to impress this season and the loss against the Hurricanes was not surprising - the margin was, despite the hefty injury toll. Can feasibly win their last three games, but will that be enough?
10. (12) Stormers- Ladder position: 11 (Last week: 12 - 3 wins, 7 losses)
Cannot split teams 10 through to 13, so the Stormers head this pack on the strength of winning their last game and they are heading home to the Republic
11. (13) Reds- Ladder position: 13 (Last week: 13 - 3 wins, 7 losses)
Pulled themselves out of a rut to stun the Blues in Albany. Impressive performance, but can they back-up against the Brumbies?
12. (11) Highlanders- Ladder position: 10 (Last week: 10 - 4 wins, 6 losses)
It's couldn't last. The Highlanders performed solidly for most of the season but they will do well to win another game.
13. (10) Lions- Ladder position: 12 (Last week: 11 - 3 wins, 7 losses)
They play an attacking style and a good on the counter-attack, but when they lose a game they really know how to blow-out the margin. The Lions comfortably have the worst defensive record in the competition.
14. (14) Cheetahs- Ladder position: 14 (Last week: 14 - 2 wins, 8 losses)
With two wins from three games, separated by a narrow loss to the Chiefs, the Cheetahs can almost be called one of the form teams of the competition. The Waratahs should be worried on Friday as the Cheetahs beat beat teams who do not score many points.
cant help but think they'll screw it up somehow?
stfu steve! no wonder you're working for SMH