Super Rugby 2022: New Zealand sides still look superior to Australian teams, writes Paul Cully; Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs, Rebels, Western Force

The Super Rugby Pacific is closing in. The Hurricanes and the Crusaders played outstanding games in New Zealand at the weekend. New Zealander punters will be confident of a 5-0 clean sweep in round 10 in Melbourne. Australia's two best sides, the Reds and Brumbies, face the weakest sides in the Super Round, Hurricanes' and Highlanders' records.

Matt To’omua is a potential Wallabies player. Rebels coach Kevin Foote is considering moving him to No.10. To'omu played his best game of the season against the Force. Ray Nu'u was sent off against Rebels. Carter Gordon didn't play against Force, so Footer is likely to play him at No.'10 against Reds.

Christian Leali’ifano is playing well for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby. He could play for Manu Samoa later this year. Aaron Mauger is a fan of the MoANA PasIFika backline. He praised Christian Leali‘ifana for his performance in Friday”s loss to the Highlanders.

The Western Force lost to the Rebels on Friday. Tim Sampson left the club and Simon Cron was appointed as their new coach. The Force are struggling to reach their potential. They play the Waratahs next weekend. Cron may go after Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas. They may miss out on a finals spot.

Billy Pollard was named Player of the Round for Brumbies. Lachlan Lonergan has already been capped by Australia. Pollar and Waratahs’ back-up hooker Tom Horton have the best builds out of Australia's current crop. Paul Cully suggests that New Zealand sides still look superior to Australian teams.