OPINION: Forget the top of the power rankings this week - the real action comes at the other end of the table, where perennial battlers Southland picked up their first win in nearly three years.
The Stags put together a solid 80 minutes to beat Counties Manukau and claim their first victory in 1078 days.
Could they extend their win streak to two with a win over Taranaki this week?
1. Hawke's Bay (C)
Last week: First (-)
This week: Beat Taranaki 35-17
Still unbeaten after seven rounds, with six wins and a draw! Could this be the season they get promoted to the premiership?
2. Tasman (P)
Last week: Second (-)
This week: Beat Waikato 35-26
Another win for the Mako, a scrappy one, but they remain unbeaten. A tough test against the reigning champions this week.
3. Bay of Plenty (C)
Last week: Fourth (+1)
This week: Beat Northland 46-22
Another comfortable win for the Steamers this week, they sit safely in second in the championship, seven points behind Hawke's Bay, who they face next week.
4. Canterbury (P)
Last week: Third (-1)
This week: Lost to Manawatu 32-29
A bad loss for the Cantabrians, after a miserable start to the season. It's a loss they wouldn't have wanted - but it's a friendly finish for the red-and-blacks, so expect another semi-final appearance for the nine-time champs.
5. Wellington (P)
Last week: Sixth (+1)
This week: Beat Auckland 34-15
Another strong win for the Lions, which takes them to second on the premiership ladder, with only one loss this season. A team very much on the rise, with a very friendly final three matches to come.
6. Otago (C)
Last week: Seventh (+1)
This week: Beat North Harbour 21-15
Won their first away game of the season and their first win that wasn't a Ranfurly Shield challenge. They will need to be at their best this week, as they put the Shield up for grabs against Waikato.
7. Auckland (P)
Last week: Fifth (-2)
This week: Lost to 34-15
They're looking a shell of the side that took out the premiership last year and will need to finish strongly over the next three weeks, if they are to be in the semi-finals.
8. Manawatu (C)
Last week: 10th (+1)
This week: Beat Canterbury 32-19
Unbeaten with Ngani Laumape back on the field, a huge start to set up the win for the Turbos - a big scalp beating Canterbury. They're making a late push for a top-four spot in the championship.
9. Waikato (P)
Last week: Eighth (-)
This week: Lost to Tasman 35-26
Went the full 80 minutes against a quality Tasman side. Hasn't been a great season for the Mooloos, but they do have a chance to win the Ranfurly Shield next week agaisnt Otago.
10. Taranaki (C)
Last week: Ninth (-1)
This week: Lost to Hawke's Bay 35-17
After starting this competition with three straight wins, Taranaki have struggled, losing their last four to now sit outside the top four in the championship. Southland next week and a chance to get back in the win column.
11. North Harbour (P)
Last week: 11th (-)
This week: Lost to Otago 21-15
A poor showing against the southerners at home, they sit only three points outside the top four, but also five points away from relegation.
12. Counties Manukau (P)
Last week: 12th (-)
This week: Lost to Southland 42-14
The team that holds the distinction of being the Stags' first win in nearly three years. Outclassed for 80 minutes and looking destined for relegation into the championship next season.
13. Southland (C)
Last week: 14th (+1)
This week: Beat Counties Manukau 42-14
More than one thousand days later and the Stags are victorious again, a comprehensive performance beating Counties 42-14. Their win lifts them off the bottom of the championship and this week's power rankings.
14. Northland (C)
Last week: 13th (-1)
This week: Lost to Bay of Plenty 46-22
They are now the worst team in the competition after Southland's historic win. The Taniwha drop to the bottom both on the ladder and now the power rankings.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub online sports producer.
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