How things stand after Round 4 of Super Rugby Aotearoa

Round 4 saw what many fans had predicted; that the Crusaders would finally overtake the Blues to reach the summit of the table.

The Crusaders now enjoy top spot, albeit by a single point, after having  completed three games.  

The current log standings add to the flavour of the approaching Round 5 and the mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash between the Crusaders and Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.

While the Crusaders will enjoy home-ground advantage, they will have to stem the tide of a marauding Blues pack, coming fresh and rested off a bye, spearheaded by the remarkable Hoskins Sotutu, not to mention the likes of Beauden Barrett and Caleb Clarke in the backs. In light of this, should the Crusaders manage to contain the men from Auckland, they will be deserved occupiers of the number one spot. 

The other game of the Round 5 weekend sees the Hurricanes taking on the Highlanders in Wellington. The 'Canes will have their tails up after securing their first victory of the competition this past weekend, downing the Chiefs 28-15. The Highlanders, who seem to be slowly coming together round by round, were impressive against the Crusaders in Round 4, winning the first half encounter 17-14 before succumbing to the significant pressure exacted on them in the second half.

All things considered, Round 5 is shaping up to be possibly one of the most thrilling rounds of Super Rugby Aotearoa to date.