Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill is very happy with the off-field numbers for the revamped Super tournament, even if some of the on-field results of struggling local franchises leave a lot to be desired.

The expanded competition, which this year welcomed a 15th franchise in Melbourne, is coming toward the end of a campaign that has included an increase in local derbies and a three-conference format.

With three rounds remaining Queensland lead the overall ladder and Australian conference while NSW Waratahs hold down the sixth and last finals spot.

At the other end, the Force, Brumbies and fledgling franchise the Rebels are running 12th, 13th and 15th respectively.

The struggling trio have combined for just eight wins from 39 games, while Queensland alone have won 11.

"Overall we're very pleased, very happy,with the new format, the conference system, the additional team with Melbourne," O'Neill said.

"Stepping back from the win-loss ratios, the attendances have been good and the TV ratings are all up.

"All the measures we've been looking to improve on have improved and have improved substantially, memberships are up substantially as well.

"From an Australian rugby perspective we expected to be the beneficiary of the new conference system, with the additional team, the Rebels in Melbourne and that's the way it's turned out to be.

"We have two teams in the top six at the moment so that's a positive. The Rebels are a new entrant and new entrants tend to find the first season fairly tough.

"The Force have been a very unlucky team and the Brumbies have well- documented problems.

"We'll get to the end of the season and have a full post-mortem, but the success of the Reds and the manner in which they have been leading the comp is fantastic.

"It's not to say that you don't worry about some under performance, but there will be plenty of time for a more thorough review of that after the last round."

While several of the local derbies have attracted criticism for dour play, O'Neill stressed that wasn't just an issue for Australia.

"I think it's risky to generalise, some of the local derbies have been great games, and some of them have been less than great, but you see the same thing across South Africa and New Zealand as well," O'Neill said.

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