OPINION: The Bay of Plenty Steamers have been the surprise package of the Mitre 10 Cup through the first two rounds, dispatching Otago 50-7 and Waikato 40-14.
They've done enough to make it to the top of the rankings this week, scoring 90 points and conceding just 21, can they shock a few more teams before the season is over?
Here's how we rank the teams through week two:
1. Bay of Plenty (C)
Last week: Third (+2)
This week: Beat Waikato 40-14
The Steamers continue their incredible start to 2019, after thrashing Otago in week one, they've given the same treatment to Waikato - just pip the Mako for this week's top spot.
2. Tasman (P)
Last week: First (-1)
This week: Beat Canterbury 23-8
Bullied their big brothers off the field in Christchurch. Still very good, but have been overtaken by the Steamers this week.
3. Auckland (P)
Last week: Ninth (+6)
This week: Beat Northland 43-10
Back to their best, after a disappointing draw last week. Fell flat in the second half in their opening-round draw, but much better this week.
4. Waikato: (P)
Last week: Second (-2)
This week: Lost to Bay of Plenty 40-14
They drop two spots this week after a poor second half saw them get blown off Rotorua International Stadium by the Steamers - big game next week against Counties.
5. Counties Manukau (P)
Last week: Fifth (-)
This week: Beat North Harbour 39-25
Put 39 points on North Harbour this week, a good win to kickstart their 2019 season.
6. Taranaki (C)
Last week: Fourth (-2)
This week: Beat Manawatu 13-10
Snuck past Manawatu in horrid weather at Palmerston North - two wins from two now, but two close wins. Should only improve now.
7. Hawkes Bay (C)
Last week: Seventh (-)
This week: Drew with Wellington 27-27
Came from behind to draw with Wellington in a spirited performance - they stay unbeaten for 2019.
8. Canterbury (P)
Last week: Sixth (-2)
This week: Lost to Tasman 23-8
Outplayed by Tasman at home, a second-straight loss for the nine-time champions.
9. Wellington (P)
Last week: 13th (+4)
This week: Drew with Hawke's Bay 27-27
A disappointing draw against Hawke's Bay, which would've felt like a loss. After being thrashed by Tasman in week one, they need to be better against Otago next week.
10. Otago (C)
Last week: 14th (+4)
This week: Beat Southland 41-22
Much better performance this week, albeit against the worst team in the competition. A successful shield defence and a 21-point twin.
11. Manawatu (C)
Last week: 11th (-)
This week: Lost to Taranaki 13-10
A gallant loss in horrible conditions against a good Taranaki team. Two tough games to lose at home.
12. North Harbour (P)
Last week: Eighth (-4)
This week: Lost to Counties Manukau 39-25
Beaten by an understrength Counties side. Scored plenty of points, but were average when defending.
13. Northland (C)
Last week: 10th (-3)
This week: Lost to Auckland 43-10
Did it tough against the champs at home. Won well against Southland in the opening week, but had no answer for a fired-up Auckland side.
14. Southland (C)
Last week: 12th (-4)
This week: Lost to Otago 41-22
Another loss for the Stags, this time under the roof in Dunedin in a Shield challenge. Looked lost at times, tough season ahead.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub online sports producer.
