The Hurricanes consolidated their lead atop the overall log and in the New Zealand Conference after another action-packed weekend of Super Rugby, which also saw shock victories for the Rebels and Cheetahs.
On Friday the Highlanders got the ball rolling with a 48-15 demolition of the Sharks in Dunedin. At some stages the Sharks showed character and a willingness and belief to win, but eventually they were blown away by the Highlanders who are in strong contention for a spot in the playoffs now.
They have a vital tour to The Republic coming up and results there will determine their season as they are in fifth spot on 33 points on the overall log at the moment.
2015 is turning into a disastrous season for the Sharks.
The Waratahs kept their hopes for supremacy in the Australian Conference and a spot in the playoffs very much alive when they edged the Brumbies 13-10 in a titanic struggle in Canberra.
It was a total war of attrition and the Waratahs showed their mettle as they kept the Brumbies scoreless in the second half and securing the victory via two penalties. Despite the loss the Brumbies clung on to the lead in the Australian Conference and third place on the overall log with 32 points while the Waratahs moved into sixth place on the overall log with 31 points.
On Saturday the Blues won 41-24 against the Force in Auckland to hand them their 10th straight loss in the season. It is not a franchise record to be proud of. They are also rooted to last spot on the overall log.
The Hurricanes pulled away from the chasing pack with a 29-23 victory over the Crusaders, which now sees them top the overall log and the New Zealand Conference with 43 points.
The Rebels did the Hurricanes a favour by upsetting the Chiefs 16-15 in Melbourne and that dented the Chiefs’ hopes of winning the New Zealand Conference and finishing atop the overall log.
They do, however, remain in fourth spot on the overall log with 38 points.
The Cheetahs produced another performance for the history books as they dismantled the Stormers 25-17 in Bloemfontein. Crucially, they denied the Stormers a bonus point. If the Stormers have any hopes of making the playoffs, victory in their remaining five fixtures becomes paramount.
The Bulls concluded matters in Round 12 with a 35-33 victory over the Lions in Pretoria. They also claimed the vital bonus point in scoring four tries and that saw them regain supremacy in the South African Conference with 35 points.
This also sees them occupy second place on the overall log while the loss of the Stormers gave the Lions a glimmer of hope to still qualify for the playoffs.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
After a few weeks of byes Super Rugby is back to all hands on deck in round 10 with some huge clashes on the…
Super Rugby Pacific have named a key staffer of the A-Leagues football competition as their first CEO. Jack Mesley, who will commence in the…
The Crusaders sit bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder after nine rounds. Are they done?
The Aussie fly-half obviously thought it wasn't legal as Kobe Steelers winger Rakuhei Yamashita charged down his conversion. Foley's Kubota Spears still won the…
As calls grow for the entire Rugby Australia board to be overthrown, new chairman Daniel Herbert described the agitators behind the movement as hypocrites…
