Super 14: Are New Zealand's heavyweights in for a South African Shark bite?

As Dan Carter is ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury, the Crusaders still have it all to do.

The Rebel Sport Super 14 tournament is now at its halfway point and, realistically, the top eight teams will be the challengers for the title as anyone below them is more than a win outside the top four.

So it's these eight teams I'll be looking at in detail, starting with the current top four.

1. CRUSADERS: 7 wins, 0 losses, +175 points difference

The six-time champions looked to be certainties judging by their early form when at full strength. However, injuries to arguably the world’s best player, All Black Dan Carter, and his supporting five-eighth, Stephen Brett, will weaken the world’s best provincial team.

Attack: The best attacking team in the competition by some margin. They have posted 50 points three times so far in the season. They are playing a territorial-based game plan backed by significant counter-attack mentality.

Defence: The second-best defence in the competition. They employ an aggressive pillar and ruck tackling based around a drift slide-style defence.

One to watch: Casey Laulau's form has earned him the All Black No.13 jersey. He has been more aggressive in attack and the leading man in the Canterbury drift defence.

2. SHARKS: 6 wins, 0 losses, +48 points difference

Last season’s runners-up are undefeated, but face a horror five-match road trip, of which no South African teams statistically have great success. They have used a forward-oriented style of play so far this season and showed their credentials when they outmuscled the abrasive Auckland Blues in the contact areas.

Attack: Their glaring Achilles heel. The third worst attack in the tournament despite having French international Frederic Michalak directing a backline with four Springboks. Their support and offloading have been minimal, something they will need to address if they are to challenge for the title.

Defence: The best defensive wall in the tournament backed up by ferocious counter ruck play and a scrambling defensive pattern. If their attack improves, their defence will make sure they continue to win games.

One to watch: Francois Steyn, possibly the biggest kicker in world rugby. He has been under-utilised this season with the Sharks unwilling to play the percentages. A freak talent, he is best suited to fullback where he can pin opposition in their territory.

3. BLUES: 5 wins, 2 losses, +77 points difference

Have regained some form from their early-season might, ably closing out close games against impressive South African outfits. They have disclosed their weakness with immense pressure being put on them at ruck situations and being drawn into playing tight rugby. If Nick Evans can re-ignite the most intimidating backline in the Super 14, they will be hard to beat.

Attack: The second best attack in the competition and, if firing, a near-unstoppable beast. They have struggled when their quick ball is shut down. Nick Evans, who should challenge Dan Carter for the All Black No.10 jersey, needs to stay fit for the Blues to win.

Defence: The sixth-best defence indicates the problems the Blues have had against attack-oriented teams. Very strong, but a lack of defensive discipline in the backline has leaked some points.

One to watch: Jerome Kaino is looking to take the number six jersey of All Black hit man Jerry Collins with an impressive work rate and very strong running. Needs to focus more on ruck clearout to enable the Blues more quick ball.

4. HURRICANES: 4 wins, 2 losses, +23 points difference

Their starting pack contains six first-choice All Blacks and they showed their quality by being the first team to effectively challenge the might of Canterbury.

Attack: Has been ominously quiet so far this season, with more handling errors than any other team in the tournament. Tactical decisions such as kicking rather than running need to be corrected which challenges coach Colin Cooper’s efficiency. Need to play with more structure, especially with such a powerful pack.

Defence: Surprisingly, the third best in the tournament, marshalled by their All Black trio of loose forwards. Their comfort with playing open, loose rugby is matched by their layered defensive pattern - they outscored Canterbury 10-3 in the second half of their game.

One to watch: Ma’a Nonu is potentially the best line-breaker in world rugby, but ill-discipline and a tendency to throw the odd loose pass has let his team down. A brutal defender, he needs to be put into open spaces far more often

5. WESTERN FORCE (4 wins, 3 losses, -7 points difference)

The Perth franchise has been in good form, highlighted by winning two games in New Zealand for the first time in their history. With Matt Giteau, probably Australia’s best player, in brilliant form the Force will need to build on their start, considering they are still to play any other Australian franchises.

Attack: Intelligently coached by former All Black John Mitchell, the Force play a no-frills style, backed by a reliable pack and an impressive backline. They play their game based around their playmaker Giteau, but need to be bolder with their attack, as evidenced by a negative points difference.

Defence: Considering the lack of genuine 'hitmen' they have been a surprisingly effective defensive unit, playing zero risk rugby. Susceptible to a strong, tight attack, their across field defence has been strongly marshalled by former league player Ryan Cross.

Player to watch: The Wallaby vice captain Nathan Sharpe has been in excellent form this season, ensuring a lineout that is rarely challenged, and has marshalled his pack to match the power of the Sharks and Crusaders forwards.

6. STORMERS (3 wins, 4 losses, +9 points differential)

After a dreadful start to the season, the Stormers created history by having the most successful 'road trip' of any South African team in Super rugby history. They are building momentum, with a playing style capable of beating any team. With five of their last six games at home, they will threaten the title.

Attack: Have developed a harassing style of play designed to put teams off their game plan. Led by a Springbok-laden pack, they have developed a lethal attack orientated by direct line running and quick ball supplied by impressive and aggressive ruck play.

Defence: Led by the fearsome Springbok Schalk Burger, their defence has been menacing, but not disciplined, as they give away the second highest amount of penalties, free-kicks and yellow cards of any team If they can improve their discipline, they may finish in the top two.

Player to watch: Despite continued snubbing of international honours, Luke Watson has been in brilliant form this season, playing anywhere in the loose. His work rate is high, and while a specialist fetcher, he has been potent on defence.

7. CHIEFS (4 wins, 3 losses, -11 points differential)

The 2006 New Zealand provincial champions have a powerful team, which only of late has played to its potential. The Mooloo men still have to prove they are championship vintage, with heavy losses to Auckland and Wellington, and games against the top two teams still to be played.

Attack: Scoring 82 points in their last two games, the Chiefs attack has been reinvigorated. Not before time either, with possibly the quickest backline in the tournament led by All Black fullback Mils Muliana. Third most tries scored in the competition.

Defence: Has been a weak point of their game, with the third worst defence in the tournament conceding soft tries. When operating their rush defence efficiently, they are a hard team to penetrate, led by a strong pillar defence and a solid midfield. They are troubled by loose play.

Player to watch: Last year's All Black bolter Brendan Leonard has picked up his game in recent weeks to be the form NZ halfback. A terrier on attack and a nuisance on defence, he is learning to play with his pack and is on track for another Black jersey.

8. WARATAHS (4 wins, 3 losses, +1 points differential)

Considering how well they beat the Hurricanes in Round one, and with Wallabies scattered throughout the team, NSW have been disappointing despite four wins. Their other wins were scratchy at best, and to say the Tah’s play conservative rugby is an understatement at best. This has already cost coach Ewen Mckenzie his job halfway through the season.

Attack: The second worst attacking record of all teams says enough. Despite mercurial players, including Wallaby Lote Tuqiri and former league international Timana Tahu, NSW seem unwilling to run with the ball, and this will ensure they do not challenge for the title.

Defence: With the best defence outside the top four, this has been led by their Wallaby trio of loose forwards. Very strong man-on-man defence has ensured the Waratahs have remained competitive, but without an efficient counter-attack mentality the team has suffered.

Player to watch: One of the youngest top-level players in Australia, Kurtley Beale was in his school boy days an instinctive runner in the mould of the Ella brothers. While his brilliance has been evidenced, his lack of a strong kicking game has not helped the team – hence another reason for NSW to run with the ball.

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