Super 12 ratings whammy
The Blues, the Highlanders and the Hurricanes all suffered a double whammy in the latest Massey Super 12 rugby ratings.
All three teams slipped down on their home advantages and down on ratings at the weekend.
Mixed fortunes came the way of the Brumbies and Sharks, both of whom suffered net losses. The Waratahs made a small net
gain. There was little net change among the other teams.
``The ratings are taken over a 12-month period, but early signs of this season’s statistics are beginning to emerge,’’
Professor Hugh Morton, of Massey University, said today. Professor Morton prepares the ratings each week.
``The average home advantage so far is about nine points. Only the Reds and Waratahs are significantly above this
figure, and only the Crusaders significantly below, well into a current home disadvantage.’’
On ratings so far, the Crusaders and Sharks are looking good, and the Cats and Reds looking weak. On combination, the
teams to look out for are the Waratahs, Sharks and Brumbies. Only the Sharks have not had a home game yet, so going on
their earlier record, they may fade.
The weekly results are analysed for the ratings using a computerised adjustive rating system, similar to the
PriceWaterhouseCooper rankings for cricket.
Over the whole competition a lowly rating can be offset by a high home advantage.
In the last four Super12 seasons the three highest average ratings have been Brumbies 28.6, Blues 26.7 and Crusaders
25.2, while the three lowest averages have been Cats 7.4, Bulls 8.6 and Sharks 13.4.
Super 12 Ratings after round four:
SUPER12 RATINGS AND HOME ADVANTAGES 2004
After Week 4
Team Rating Home advantage
Blues 35.4 -5.5
Brumbies 20.6 20.6
Bulls 26.2 -3.3
Cats 0.0 20.0
Chiefs 21.7 -3.3
Crusaders 38.0 -11.8
Highlanders 13.3 26.7
Hurricanes 14.1 12.9
Reds 34.8 -4.7
Sharks 21.9 -22.8
Stormers 25.7 -5.5
Waratahs 27.3 7.0
Date: 16/03/04
Ends