Mitre 10 Cup Power Rankings: Tasman team to beat heading into playoffs

OPINION: Auckland were the last side to go unbeaten in a domestic rugby season back in 2007 and they went on to win the competition.

Twelve years later, Tasman are on pace and look very likely to replicate that feat. 

The Mako have scored an average of 39 points per game and conceded 11, a ridiculous stat that makes them, as they have been all season, the team to beat approaching this week's semi-finals. 

1.Tasman (P)

Last week: First (-)

This week: Beat Hawke's Bay 47-28

They thrashed the Magpies to finish the round robin unbeaten and at the top of the premiership table, easily the best team in the comp, with a home semi against champions Auckland. 

2.Bay of Plenty (C)

Last week: Second (-)

This week: Beat Southland 22-12

After beating Southland - and then Tasman beating Hawke's Bay - the Steamers finish in top spot on the championship ladder and will have a home semi against the Turbos next week, and a home final if they win that. 

3. Canterbury (P) 

Last week: Fourth (+1)

This week: Beat North Harbour 31-25

After a bad start to the season, the nine-time champs have staged a remarkable comeback to secure a road semi and stash the Ranfurly Shield securely away in the sheds. 

4. Wellington (P)

Last week:Sixth (+2)

This week: Beat Waikato 39-21

A big win over Waikato has them in the groove for a home semi-final against Canterbury - it will be a blinder in the capital. 

5. Hawke's Bay (C)

Last week: Third (-2)

This week: Lost to Tasman 47-28
A loss against the Mako this week means they won't get a home final, but they won't care too much - a great season for the Magpies. They're a big chance to earn promotion this year.  

mitre 10 cup rankings
Photo credit: Newshub.

6. North Harbour (P)

Last week: Fifth (-1)

This week: Lost to Canterbury 31-25

A gallant final match against Canterbury saw them feel short of the Ranfurly Shield and a semi-final spot in heartbreaking fashion. 

7. Auckland (P)

Last week: Seventh (-)

This week: Beat Taranaki 35-11

They snuck into the semi finals, after Canterbury beat North Harbour. Only five wins in 2019 for the champions, but they still have a chance to go back to back. 

8. Manawatu (C)

Last week: 11th (+3)

This week: Beat Counties Manukau 33-17

A big second half of the season to get into the playoffs for the Turbos. Unwanted All Black Ngani Laumape was a huge part of that, but they got to the post-season and now anything is possible. 

9. Otago (C)

Last week: 10th (+1)

This week: Lost to Northland 40-10

Did well to hold the Ranfurly Shield for as long as they did - all season, until they fell at the final hurdle to Canterbury. A final-round loss to Northland, but safely in the semi to take on Hawke's Bay next week. 

10. Waikato (P)

Last week: Eighth (-2)

This week: Lost to Wellington 39-21

An up-and-down season for the Mooloos sees them fall short of the semis, but finish clear of relegation.

11. Taranaki (C)

Last week: Ninth (-2)

This week: Lost to Auckland 35-11

Started the year so well, winning their first three matches, but from there could only manage one victory in their final seven. 

12. Northland (C)

Last week: 14th (+2)

This week: Beat Otago 40-10

A good finish to the season for the Taniwha, smashing Otago to pick up their second win of the year and avoid the wooden spoon. 

13. Counties Manukau (P)

Last week: 12th (-1)

This week: Lost to Manawatu 33-17

A bad season for the Steelers, with just one win and finishing as Southland's only scalp over the last three years. Relegated to the championship next season.

14. Southland (C)

Last week: 13th (-1)

This week: Lost to Bay of Plenty 22-12

Consistently the worst team in the comp this season. Debatable whether their first win in three years makes this a successful season or not.

Newshub.