Following the third 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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What a difference a week makes?! The Sharks are the big losers in the updated power rankings after losing to the well-travelled Hurricanes, who won despite having to tour South Africa and Argentina in the preceding weeks. That loss combined with wins for the unbeaten Chiefs and Crusaders have the Durban side dropping down to fourth.

The Stormers remain on top, despite losing some faith among the fans after their performance against the Lions. But one needs to bear in mind they remain unbeaten and in control of their conference with another home fixture to come.  

A look ahead to this week’s fixtures, and it should be more of the same with the Chiefs likely to fend off the ‘threat’ of the Brumbies and the Stormers expected to down the Jaguares. The Crusaders will have far too much in the tank when the Highlanders come to town which leaves the clash at Loftus Versfeld between the Vodacom Bulls and the Blues as the one to watch with these rankings in mind. Both sides have plenty to prove after an indifferent start to 2020 which makes predicting the outcome one of the toughest in week four.

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As for the Brumbies, they may be soundly on track for a place in the playoffs thanks to their conference status but if you are looking for an indication of their overall strength … expect them to sit in the bottom of half of the standings this time next week.

There is little separating those at the bottom of the pile as the Australian teams continue to limp through the competition with the Sunwolves’ round-one win keeping them off the basement.

Last week’s rankings:

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