The gap between the New Zealand and Australian Super sides has shrunk if only a little in 2024, but the increased jeopardy in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific has made for a much more entertaining competition. The ACT Brumbies, Queensland Reds and for the first time the Melbourne Rebels, are all finals bound with a game to spare. The Force could mathematically sneak in too, but their chances look slim.
Although it is mainly the Reds and the Brumbies who are responsible for the closing of the gap, all three of the locked in teams have brought something unique to the competition which has made the viewing all the more enjoyable. Despite the final round of the regular season is still to be played, the coaches must have an eye and some of their minds on what the finals series has in store. ACT Brumbies The Brumbies are on par with the top two sides, the Blues and Hurricanes on 11 wins each.
Where the gap is still evident, is the Kiwis’ ability to maintain a high standard throughout the season, resulting in points differentials on +241 and +172 respectively. The men from the capital sit on +94, a stark contrast to the Kiwi teams. Although the differentials are not a definitive measurement of inter-team strength, it speaks to consistency, mindset, depth and the dominance over their opponents.
This points gap is consistent with all three Aussie teams. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images) While the Brums haven’t been consistently at their best, they have been building for the .