NPC Power Rankings Post Round 8

With another weekend behind us, it is time for us to update our competition power rankings.

14. Wellington | 0-8 | Previous Ranking: 14

The Lions showed a bit of life early against Northland, mostly off the back of Kirifi and Harkin, but were once again dominated down the stretch to remain winless.

13. Southland | 2-6 | Previous Ranking: 13

Southland were once again dominated by a much more talented side, with Taranaki bringing back big names such as Josh Jacomb and Bradley Slater, who made a huge difference to the Stags’ chances in that one.

12. Counties Manukau | 2-6 | Previous Ranking: 12

Like the other two teams mentioned, Counties were simply outmatched on Thursday evening against Otago. They were able to stick around for a while in the clash; however, the class of the Southerners was just too much to handle later in the game.

11. Auckland | 3-5 | Previous Ranking: 10

It’s tough for Auckland not to move up the rankings, let alone drop down, after they kept their playoff hopes alive with a second straight win against a good Tasman side.

However, for mine, there is still context as to why the teams above them remain there, and Auckland are still stuck in the bottom third of the rankings.

10. Manawatū | 4-4 | Previous Ranking: 7

Manawatu were looking to add a fourth straight win to their record against Waikato, but after putting up a serious fight, they just weren’t able to capitalise on key moments. The hope for Turbos fans is that this isn’t a momentum-stunting result.

9. Waikato | 4-4 | Previous Ranking: 9

Waikato pulled off a much-needed win against the Turbos, and it came on the back of a dynamic performance from their first five, Taha Kemara.

The game was closely fought until Kemara made the game-changing break, scoring under the sticks and giving his team the jolt they needed to close out the game.

8. Tasman | 4-4 | Previous Ranking: 6

Tasman were disappointing against Auckland, and the only reason they remain this high in the rankings is because of the two All Blacks they are welcoming back in Noah Hotham and Timoci Tavatavanawai.

The addition of those two players adds a touch of class that is much needed in this squad if they are looking to make a run.

7. Taranaki | 4-4 | Previous Ranking: 8

Taranaki make the jump back into the top half this week, firstly because of their win against Southland and secondly because of the reintroduction of last year’s NPC MVP, Josh Jacomb.

Bringing back a player like Jacomb, specifically at first five, is such a massive bonus for Taranaki, and they are certainly a dark horse heading into the back end of the season because of his reintroduction.

6. Bay Of Plenty | 3-4 | Previous Ranking: 13

I mean, what a bounce-back in the battle of the bays for the Steamers, who not only handed Hawke’s Bay their second loss of the season but also their second consecutive loss.

Then add in the fact that they are well and truly still in playoff contention and look set to reintroduce three All Blacks into the fold. No doubt, they are going to be a dangerous proposition for any side to deal with.

5. North Harbour | 5-3 | Previous Ranking: 4

Harbour were unable to add another big win to their résumé this weekend against Canterbury.

The game was top quality, but a lack of execution let them down in the game’s big moments.

4. Canterbury | 6-2 | Previous Ranking: 5

It’s odd to say Canterbury have been quietly going about their business, but it does feel like, after that mid-season skid, all the good work they have done in recent weeks has gone under the radar.

As just mentioned, they were able to pull off a big-time win against Harbour and, for me, off the back of that result, have cemented themselves once again as contenders with only a couple of weeks left in the season.

3. Otago | 6-2 | Previous Ranking: 3

Otago were probably unlucky not to climb the rankings this week, but I just haven’t been able to look past that loss to the Magpies when it comes to ranking them higher than Hawke’s Bay.

Don’t get me wrong, though, it does feel like this Otago side is really beginning to hit their stride and are as good a chance as anyone to lift that trophy come season’s end.

2. Hawke’s Bay | 6-2 | Previous Ranking: 1

Hawke’s Bay are no longer at the top of the rankings after back-to-back losses and seemingly might have played their best footy while other teams are just starting to get into a groove.

The other interesting point for me is that they aren’t set to get an injection of talent from the All Blacks while sides around them are. So, maybe, just maybe, this could be the beginning of a very tough period for Hawke’s Bay.

1. Northland | 6-2 | Previous Ranking: 2

By default, that leaves us with Northland at the top of the rankings, as they weathered the initial storm brought by the Lions and ended up winning in convincing fashion.

Northland will now look to lock up the Ranfurly Shield to close out the year and should be one of the most dangerous sides come playoff time with their unique brand of rugby.