Super Rugby Standings

Keeping up with Super Rugby standings gives fans and followers a clear picture of where their teams sit as the season progresses. It’s not just about wins and losses; the standings reflect performance trends, playoff potential, and how bonus points affect rankings.

Full Super Rugby Table

The Super Rugby standings table ranks teams based on match results across 14 rounds. Teams earn four points for a win and two for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss unless bonus points are earned by scoring three more tries than the opposition or losing by seven points or fewer.

At season’s end, the top eight advance to the playoffs. In 2024, the Hurricanes led the table with 12 wins, followed by the Blues, Brumbies, and Chiefs, who earned home quarterfinals. The Reds, Highlanders, Drua, and Rebels filled out the top eight. The Crusaders, despite their strong history, finished 11th with three wins — an uncommon result for the defending champions.

Bonus points often influence final positions. For example, the Chiefs earned seven bonus points, while the Hurricanes led the top four with eight. These extra points helped teams like the Chiefs secure a higher seeding despite having fewer wins than the Brumbies.

Live Standings & Scores

Live Super Rugby standings are updated in real time during each round. These updates take into account the current score, projected match outcomes, and any bonus points being earned. If a team is ahead by more than three tries, they are temporarily shown as earning a bonus point. Similarly, a team trailing by fewer than seven points may appear with a losing bonus point before full-time.

Live standings are especially relevant during close playoff races or when several games are played on the same weekend. For example, during Round 13 of the 2024 season, the Highlanders briefly dropped out of the top eight mid-match, only to climb back in after securing a late try and bonus point. These shifting live tables give fans and analysts insight into the playoff picture as it unfolds.

Standings Before Playoffs

At the end of the regular season, the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs, seeded one to eight based on total competition points. Higher seeds earn home advantage in the quarterfinals, which can influence results.

In 2024, the Hurricanes topped the standings with 54 points, followed by the Blues (49), Brumbies, Chiefs, and Reds. The Highlanders finished sixth despite a negative points differential, helped by close wins and bonus points. The Drua and Rebels claimed the final spots.

Final standings shape playoff matchups and travel demands, making every point and seeding position important across the regular season.

Round-by-Round Standings

Tracking how standings change from round to round gives deeper insight into team form and consistency. Early in the season, the Crusaders remained near the bottom after a string of uncharacteristic losses. Meanwhile, the Blues climbed steadily, securing key wins in Rounds 2, 4, and 6.

By mid-season, the Chiefs recovered from a slow start and made a strong push, moving from sixth to fourth place after back-to-back victories against Moana Pasifika and the Reds. The Hurricanes maintained top spot for much of the season, only briefly sharing it with the Blues during Round 8.

Late in the season, several teams clustered tightly between sixth and ninth place, meaning a single bonus point could shift playoff qualification. For example, the Highlanders secured a crucial losing bonus point in Round 13, which ultimately kept them in playoff contention.

Top Teams This Season

In 2024, the Hurricanes topped the standings with 12 wins, the best points differential, and the fewest points conceded. They showed strong balance between attack and defence, performing well both home and away.

The Blues followed closely, using a powerful forward pack and accurate kicking game. Their set-piece strength helped them in tight matches, especially in wet conditions at Eden Park.

The Brumbies had a consistent season, relying on a tactical, possession-focused style. The Chiefs recovered from early losses to finish fourth. Bonus points, both attacking and defensive, played a key role in boosting their final seeding for the playoffs.

NZ Teams in the Standings

New Zealand’s five Super Rugby standings franchises had mixed results in 2024. The Hurricanes and Blues led the way, each securing over ten wins and finishing in the top two. The Chiefs also reached the top four with a high-tempo style that earned them a playoff spot and home quarterfinal.

The Highlanders qualified sixth despite more losses than wins, helped by narrow victories over Australian teams. The Crusaders had a difficult year, finishing 10th with only four wins — a rare miss after years of success. Four of the five New Zealand teams reached the playoffs, showing strong overall representation.

How Standings Work

Super Rugby standings are determined using a points-based system. Every match outcome has a fixed value, with additional opportunities to gain points based on performance.

Here is how the system works:

A team can earn a maximum of five points in a match if they win and also achieve the attacking bonus point. Even a losing team can earn up to two points through bonus criteria. If teams are level on total points, tiebreakers are applied in the following order: total wins, points differential, then total tries scored. This system promotes attacking rugby and rewards close contests.

FAQs

Who is the best rugby team in New Zealand?

In terms of historical success, the Crusaders are the most successful New Zealand team, with multiple Super Rugby titles. However, in 2024, the Hurricanes had the strongest season among Kiwi teams, finishing first in the standings and leading in both wins and points differential.

What does B stand for in rugby table?

In a rugby standings table, “B” typically refers to bonus points. These are awarded for scoring three or more tries than the opponent, or for losing by seven points or fewer. A team can earn both types of bonus points in a single match, adding up to two bonus points.

Have the Chiefs ever won Super Rugby?

Yes, the Chiefs have won the Super Rugby standings title twice. Their championships came in 2012 and 2013, during a period when the team was coached by Dave Rennie. They defeated the Sharks in the 2012 final and the Brumbies in 2013. Since then, the Chiefs have remained regular playoff contenders.