A change has come at the top of Scotty Stevenson’s power rankings after the Crusaders dethroned the Hurricanes in a New Zealand conference classic. 1. Crusaders (up 1) I am a man of my word. Last week I suggested the Crusaders were “the only team you would actually back right now to have the defensive … Read more
Scotty Stevenson’s Super Rugby Power Rankings make a triumphant return for 2017. 1. Chiefs The Chiefs played like they were on dial-up for the best part of 70 minutes last week and still managed to win a game of footy by 13 points. There is nothing at all special about the style of the Chiefs, … Read more
The 2017 Super Rugby draw is out today. To mark the occasion Scotty Stevenson has power ranked every round of the upcoming season, from 1 to 16(B). Click here to see the full 2017 Super Rugby season schedule 1. Round 14 I like this round. All 18 teams are playing and it is the Pascall … Read more
Lions coach Johan Ackermann watched his gamble of resting his best players for their final round trip to Buenos Aires blow up in his face on Saturday night. The fact he took that gamble in the first place highlights some major problems with the expanded Super Rugby schedule, writes Scotty Stevenson. Split Enz famously sang … Read more
Where will the Super Rugby semifinals be won and lost? Scotty Stevenson breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of each of the four remaining teams. How do we judge which of the four Super Rugby semifinalists put up the best performance last week? For sheer scoreline, it’s hard to look past the Hurricanes who, in … Read more
A shock new leader emerges at the top of Scotty Stevenson’s Super Rugby power rankings heading into the final round of the regular season. 1. Lions Rd 16: 57-21 v Kings Last round: 2 (up 1) Johannesburg is not the place any team other than the Lions wishes to find itself for the next few … Read more
Scotty Stevenson awakes from a long and disorientating slumber to continue the unforgiving weekly task of ranking every team in Super Rugby from best to worst. Sweet Lord, that break was so long I had actually forgotten which team was last top of the Power Rankings. Worse, I am now reminded of how much can … Read more
Round 14 of Super Rugby channeled the 2002 Olympic speed skating final as the Highlanders and Chiefs fell on the final turn and allowed the Crusaders to cruise into the break at the top of Scotty Stevenson’s power rankings. 1. Crusaders Rd 14: 26-21 v Blues Last week: 2 (up 1) I’ve said it before … Read more
The Crusaders legend’s 150th game celebrations have been cut short by a controversial power ranking decision by Scotty Stevenson. 1. Highlanders Rd 13: BYE Last week: 1 (N/C) I thought long and hard about this ranking for the Highlanders and then came to this conclusion: they spent their fortnight before the bye beating up on … Read more
The Crusaders once again show that they’re a force to be reckoned with in Scotty Stevenson’s latest Super Rugby power rankings. 1. Crusaders Rd 11: 38-5 v Reds Last week: 3 (up 2) The Crusaders decided it would be best if they used Friday night as an opposed training session. Did this team really ever get … Read more
The Blues hold their breath for a win against the Rebels and the Hurricanes come back with a vengeance in South Africa. Scotty Stevenson brings us the latest Super Rugby power rankings. 1. Chiefs Rd 10: 24-22 v Sharks Last week: 2 (up 1) You have to hand it to the Chiefs – they have … Read more
The Chiefs have finally been toppled off the top spot, only to be replaced by another New Zealand team in Scotty Stevenson’s latest Super Rugby power rankings. 1. Crusaders Rd 9: 40-14 v Brumbies Last week: 3 (up 2) Have you noticed how much fun the Crusaders are having? Me too. And that’s why they … Read more
New Zealand teams once again dominate the podium in Scotty Stevenson’s latest Super Rugby power rankings. 1. Chiefs Rd 8. BYE Last week: 1 (N/C) The rugby world has a massive crush on the Chiefs and who am I to argue with the Power of Love? You can’t argue with the Power of Love, and … Read more
The Chiefs still top the rankings after a close call against the Blues, but the Hurricanes are breathing down their necks following a niggly win over the Jaguares in Wellington. Scotty Stevenson sorts it all out in the KFC Super Rugby Power Rankings. 1. Chiefs Rd 7: 29-23 v Blues Last week: 1 (N/C) Yes, … Read more
Scotty Stevenson pays tribute to the dominant Chiefs and delivers a stinging rebuke to a sledger in the latest KFC Super Rugby power rankings. 1. Chiefs Rd 6: 48-23 v Brumbies Last week: 1 (N/C) As the Chiefs tore the Brumbies a new one in Canberra on Saturday night, I received the following message: “Lucky you changed … Read more
New Zealand teams claim the gold, silver, bronze, and fourth place medals in Scotty Stevenson’s latest Super Rugby power rankings. 1. Chiefs Rd 5: 53-10 v Force Last week: 4 (up 3) For most of the first half against the Force, the Chiefs chased the ball like it owed them money, but when they finally settled into … Read more