Are the #Crusaders Now Also-Rans? #SuperRugby Round 7 Review!

The picture that is Super Rugby 2014 just got a little bit clearer after 7 rounds.

The Sharks appear to be the best team in South Africa at the moment although they have got the tour of Australia and New Zealand to come. With Jake White, they appear to be building a team that could very well finally win the title - can the perennial bridesmaids and losing finalists of Super  Rugby finally nail the big one this year? It is a long season ahead but the confidence is definitely building nicely right now in the Shark Tank.

Chiefs and Bulls played the game of the weekend

On the other hand, the Bulls had their tails just about clipped by the reigning champions, Chiefs who will regard the 34-all draw at Loftus Versfeld almost as good a result as a win there. Led by the inspired Aaron Cruden, the Chiefs definitely exorcised their past demons when they were thrashed by 60 odd points here in the 2009 Super Rugby Final and could have easily stolen the game. Alas, just as the Bulls looked to have got this one in the bag, the Chiefs came back and grab 3 points from this game and stop the Bulls' case of the Sharks. 

Nevertheless, it looks like the Sharks and the Bulls who will be leading the way in South Africa even if the Lions have had quite an impressive start in their return season to Super Rugby. 

On the other hand, the picture is much murkier in the Antipodes. Indeed, this could be amongst the most competitive years in both Australian and New Zealand conferences with all 5 sides very much stuck amongst the mix at this stage of the competition.

Indeed, the Rebels and Hurricanes who seemed like a lost cause earlier this season, had huge wins over more fancied opponents, the Brumbies and Crusaders respectively to reignite their seasons. Both wins were highly impressive given that both sides had to come from behind twice - the Rebels from a long way behind and having had a try disallowed. 

Incredibly, it is the Blues who are 2nd in the New Zealand conference despite 3 defeats in the season already - something John Kirwan would take any day. The Blues were clinical as they beat the Highlanders 30-12 to exact revenge for their opening season defeat. 

The Waratahs remain 2nd to the Brumbies despite both sides losing on the weekend but it is oh so close with the Reds, Force and Rebels not so far behind - just as it is in New Zealand with the Crusaders now bottom of the New Zealand conference.

The Crusaders? Well what can you say. There are lots of signs for Crusaders fans to be worried out this early in the season already - they are badly missing the creative outlet of Dan Carter and just cannot seem to be score enough tries - only the Stormers have scored less points this season. They may have their All Blacks in the forwards but there seems to be a lack of x-factor in the backs with Izzy Dagg not firing so far at the back - Ryan Crotty has looked pretty good so far but being a centre with not much room and having to do it all on your own is hard work.

Some worrying signs for Todd Blackadder who is facing a 5th season without a Super Rugby title - his job will be on the line if the Crusaders fail to improve let alone make the playoffs as their fans expect them to.

So here is a look back at all the Super Rugby action from Round 7!