Following the second round of Vodacom Super Rugby, SA Rugby magazine throws out the conference standings and ranks the 15 teams on form, strength and results.

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The Stormers correctly sit on top of this modified table after two consecutive wins without conceding a point. Considering John Dobson suggested that his side should win the conference before the season, his message has been received loud and clear by his players.

Despite two significant injury blows, the Cape side still present a formidable threat and will look to add further clout to their status as potential champions when they travel to face the Lions, who find themselves down in ninth, in round three.

Another South African coastal side has also performed with many arguing that the Sharks’ impressive early-season form should earn them the label as another strong contender for South African conference honours.

The Durban team’s ruthless display against the Highlanders coupled with the Hurricanes having travelled to South Africa and Argentina in successive weeks mean they are primed to go 3-0. The rest of their overseas schedule is tame (visits to the Reds and Rebels), which bodes well as they look to make the semi-finals for the first time in six years.

The Chiefs’ win over the Crusaders rightly has them in third over the defending champs, while the Jaguares sit ahead of the undefeated – and largely untested – Brumbies, with the hit-and-miss Blues and Hurricanes rounding out the top eight spots.

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