That was simply a lesson from the Canes, on a number of levels. First, a lesson to the Sharks of how to play rugby, and then to the rest of Super Rugby about how to make the minor changes to their game plan to enable them to play to the conditions. And in doing so, they highlighted the lack of intelligence behind the current conference system.
The gap between Super Rugby teams from NZ and Aus is deflating, but from NZ to SA it is simply appalling. Lions just might justify their spot in the QFs, but no way should there be a third guaranteed spot for a SA side. I have every expectation that given an even playing field, both the Tahs and the Brumbies would finish above the Sharks and Stormers on the log, but probably still below the Blues.
Something drastic will need to be done to fix the competition next year or Super Rugby will continue to lose fans at games in an ever accelerating pace.