Mitre 10 Cup Power Rankings: Canterbury peaking at right time

  • Opinion
  • 07/10/2019
Dallas McLeod, Josh McKay and Fergus Burke.
Dallas McLeod, Josh McKay and Fergus Burke. Photo credit: Image: Photosport

OPINION: Six weeks ago, Canterbury were sitting near the bottom of the Mitre 10 Cup premiership table, after losing their opening three-games.

They had everyone - myself included - wondering if they had enough to contend for a ninth title this year.

Fast-forward and they now sit inside the top four, with the Ranfurly Shield in their sheds and preparing to play in the semi-finals again. 

After beating Otago for the 'Log O' Wood' this week, they have secured a top-four spot and now face a challenge from North Harbour to end the regular season. 

With just one week left, there is still so much to play for, but one thing is certain - never count out the red-and-blacks.

1. Tasman (P)

Last week: First (-)

This week: Beat Northland 52-6

They took a while, but they rolled Northland to stay unbeaten and cement their place atop the Mitre 10 Cup power rankings.

Next week: Hawke's Bay (Saturday)

2. Bay of Plenty (C)

Last week: Second (-)

This week: Beat Manawatu 46-10

Another impressive win for 'The Bay' to secure a home semi-final and a chance to finish first in the championship, heading into the playoffs. 

Next week: Southland (Thursday)

3. Hawke's Bay (C)

Last week: Fourth (+1)

This week: Beat Counties Manukau 22-10

A great defensive performance from the 'Magpies', with Gareth Evans the star of the night and Tiaan Falcon turning heads with his run to set up their final try.

Next week: Tasman (Saturday) 

4. Canterbury (P)

Last week: Fifth (+1)

This week: Beat Otago 35-25

A good win for Canterbury to claim the Ranfurly Shield. If they can win next week, they'll hold it for the off-season - not a bad way to finish, after losing their first three matches. 

Next week: North Harbour (Sunday)

mitre 10 cup rankings
Photo credit: Newshub.

5. North Harbour (P)

Last week: Eighth (+3)

This week: Beat Wellington 42-34

Peaking at the right time of the year, with a superb first 40 minutes to put away Wellington. Now, they face Canterbury to earn a spot in the semi-finals.

Next week: Canterbury (Sunday)

6. Wellington (P)

Last week: Third (-3)

This week: Lost to North Harbour 42-24

Tried their hardest to mount a massive comeback in the final 20 minutes, but the damage was done in the first half. Still safely into the playoffs.

Next week: Waikato (Saturday)

7. Auckland (P)

Last week: Ninth (+2)

This week: Beat Southland 64-7

Ran rampant against a bad Southland team to give them a chance of defending their premiership title. They need a win next week against Taranaki and a loss for North Harbour against Tasman. 

Next week: Taranaki (Friday)

8. Waikato (P)

Last week: 11th (+3)

This week: Beat Taranaki 38-19

A big win for the Mooloos, which leaves them with an outside chance to make the top four. They need a win and two other results to go their way. 

Next week: Wellington (Saturday)

9. Taranaki (C)

Last week: Seventh (-2)

This week: Lost to Waikato 38-19

A disappointing result for the Bulls, after winning their first three games. They need a win against Auckland to guarantee a top-four finish. 

Next week: Auckland (Friday)

10. Otago (C)

Last week: Sixth (-4)

This week: Lost to Canterbury 35-25

A tough pill to swallow for the southern men, after holding the Ranfurly Shield for nearly a year, their reign is over! Still right in the hunt for a top-four finish, heading into next week. 

Next week: Northland (Sunday)

11. Manawatu (C)

Last week: 10th (-1)

This week: Lost to Bay of Plenty 46-10

Lost their first game of the season with Laumape in the side, against a Steamers side on a roll. They take on the relegation-bound Counties Manukau next week. 

Next week: Counties Manukau (Saturday)

12. Counties Manukau (P)

Last week: 12th (-)

This week: Lost to Hawke's Bay 22-10

Not a good match for the Steelers, slumping to their eighth loss of the season, with just one win, and now guaranteed relegation next season. 

Next week: Manawatu (Saturday)

13. Southland (C)

Last week: 13th (-)

This week: Lost to Auckland 64-7

Pummelled into the ground by an Auckland side desperate to make the premiership semi-finals. A tough season for the Stags, with only one win so far, although judged on their last two seasons, that could still be seen as a success. 

Next week: Bay of Plenty (Thursday)

14. Northland (C)

Last week: 14th (-)

This week: Lost to Tasman 52-6

They did well to hang in there against a rampant Mako side, defending their line well for 60 minutes, before conceding 26 points in the final 15 minutes. 

Next week: Otago (Sunday)

Luke Robinson is a Newshub online sports producer.