OPINION: The Tasman Mako return to the top of the crop, after a clinical performance to thump Auckland 40-0 and remain the only unbeaten side left in the competition, after the Bay of Plenty thrashed Hawke's Bay.
The gap between the good and average sides is starting to become more apparent, with Tasman or Canterbury looming as premiership winners, and Bay of Plenty or Hawke's Bay winning the championship - it's as simple as that.
With two weeks left in the regular season, some sides will already be building for next season, as the gaps continue to widen.
1. Tasman (P)
Last week: Second (+1)
This week: Beat Auckland 40-0
An almost flawless performance against the champs, they don't look like they will lose a game this season and could cruise to a premiership win.
2. Bay of Plenty (C)
Last week: Third (+1)
This week: Beat Hawke's Bay 51-24
Incredible from 'THE Bay', they tackled a previously unbeaten side Hawke's Bay team to take the title away from the Magpies. The Steamers now look a good chance at topping the championship ladder.
3. Wellington (P)
Last week: Fifth (+2)
This week: Beat Northland 57-36
Six wins on the bounce for the Lions and they look like one of the only sides capable of beating the Mako. A friendly draw to finish the regular season, with North Harbour and Waikato to go.
4.Hawke's Bay (C)
Last week: First (-3)
This week: Lost to Bay of Plenty 51-24
Their first taste of defeat came at the hands of their old rivals in the 'Battle of the Bay', where they lost their title.
5. Canterbury (P)
Last week: Fourth (-1)
This week: Beat Counties Manukau 38-5
Another win for the red-and-blacks to put them comfortably inside the top four in the premiership ranks.
6. Otago (C)
Last week: Sixth (-)
This week: Beat Waikato 35-21
This side just keeps winning matches for the Ranfurly Shield - three successful defences of the Log o' Wood this season, with just one left now. Canterbury next week.
7. Taranaki (C)
Last week: 10th (+3)
This week: Beat Southland 19-0
Took them 50 minutes to break open the Stags defence, but they scored three late tries to get back into the winner's circle, after four straight defeats.
8. North Harbour (P)
Last week: 11th (+3)
This week: Beat Manawatu 29-16
Victory over the Turbos moves them into the top four, and in control of their semi-finals fate. Though finish though, with Wellington and Canterbury looming.
9. Auckland (P)
Last week: Seventh (-2)
This week: Lost to Tasman 40-0
Just nowhere near where they were this time last year, the champions are struggling, with just two weeks left until the playoffs.
10. Manawatu (C)
Last week: Eighth (-2)
This week: Lost to North Harbour 29-16
Really struggled without Ngani Laumape busting tackles in the midfiled. After five Mitre 10 Cup losses this season, they only sit two points outside the top four.
11. Waikato (P)
Last week: Ninth (-2)
This week: Lost to Otago 45-35
Another loss for the Mooloos, they face the danger of being demoted - with just two games left, they sit six points ahead of Counties Manukau.
12. Counties Manukau (P)
Last week: 12th (-)
This week: Lost to Canterbury 38-5
They sit in last place in the premiership and are all-but guaranteed demotion in two weeks time.
13. Southland (C)
Last week: 13th (-)
This week: Lost to Taranaki 19-0
Hung in there for 50 minutes against Taranaki, before a couple of missed tackles cost them and all of a sudden the game was over at 19-0.
Maybe a little hangover from their historic win last week.
14. Northland (C)
Last week: 14th (-)
This week: Lost to Wellington 57-36
No victory now, since their opening round game against Southland. They are battling it out for the bottom two sides in the power rankings, but Southland gets the nod at 13th this week.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub online sports producer.
