No team has crossed the Indian Ocean in 2014 and registered a win in Super Rugby

I HEAR the drums echoing tonight – Super Rugby touring is tougher than ever. No team has crossed the Indian Ocean and registered a win in 2014.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 29: Marcell Coetzee of the Cell C Sharks tackling Jacques Potgieter of the Waratahs during the Super Rugby match between Cell C Sharks and Waratahs at Growthpoint Kings Park on March 29, 2014 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

I HEAR the drums echoing tonight – Super Rugby touring is tougher than ever.

But unlike Toto’s famous track “Africa” these are not whispers of some quiet conversation.

No team has crossed the Indian Ocean and registered a win. The Chiefs managed a 34-all draw with a final 10-minute burst against the Bulls at the weekend but aside from that great escape there have been 15 defeats.

Of the New Zealand and Australian teams to tour South Africa so far the Blues, Reds and Hurricanes returned home with just four bonus points between them.

The Waratahs and Chiefs wrap up their stints in the Republic this weekend with clashes against the Stormers and Cheetahs respectively.

Michael Cheika’s side then have a stop-off in Perth on their way home for a showdown with the resurgent Western Force, a side the Chiefs failed to beat on their journey over.

And what of the touring fortunes of the South African sides then? Duck eggs. They’re none from eight.

Only the Cheetahs and Stormers have completed Australasian tours in 2014 for just two bonus points – both of which belong to the Cape Town side. News_Rich_Media: Join Sean Maloney as he recaps the best of Super Rugby in three short minutes.

But Super Rugby touring has always been tough right? True. But never like this.

Looking at the statistics to round seven in the four years of the conference system, there have been at least three victories for NZ/Australian sides in the Republic while South African teams have enjoyed at least four victories in Australasia.

We’re not quite halfway through the season but the value of winning on the other side of the Indian Ocean has perhaps never been greater.

The New Zealand and Australian conferences are closer than they’ve ever been while the Lions and Bulls have the chance to close the gap on the Sharks in South Africa when Jake White’s side enjoy the bye this weekend.

Will the drought be broken this weekend? Can the Waratahs, Chiefs or Bulls complete the seemingly unthinkable?

The time for sightseeing is over, leave the cameras at home.

Super Rugby touring has never been tougher.