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Cape Town - As Super Rugby enters its final two weekends before the playoffs, there are still quite a few teams in the running for the knockout phase of the competition.
Sport24 takes a look at the combined log, looking at exactly what each side will need to do, or hope for, to secure a playoff berth.
1. HURRICANES (P14, Pts 57)
The Hurricanes are all but guaranteed top spot in the New Zealand conference. They can mathematically be overtaken by the Highlanders, but that is very hard to see happening. These two sides meet on Friday, and if the Hurricanes win the NZ conference will be all wrapped up.
2. STORMERS (P14, Pts 43)
The Cape Town lads host the Lions on Saturday, and if they win they will secure top spot in the South African conference. That will leave a trip to the Sharks on the final weekend where they will try and secure second place on the log and a home semi-final.
3. WARATAHS (P14, Pts 42)
Tied on points with the Brumbies, the ’Tahs face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday and then the Reds at home next weekend. While second place on the combined log would be first prize, finishing top of the Aussie conference and securing a home playoff is surely the priority.
4. HIGHLANDERS (P14, Pts 48)
Overtaking the Hurricanes is highly unlikely, so fourth place is about as good as the Highlanders can hope for. If they secure maximum points from their last two fixtures (Hurricanes, Blues) and the Hurricanes don’t record any more points, then they will finish top of the NZ conference.
5. CHIEFS (P14, Pts 44)
The Chiefs travel to the Reds and then host the Hurricanes – a tough finish to the conference stages. Their best hope is that the Highlanders lose to the Hurricanes on Friday, meaning that two big wins could see them secure fourth on the combined log and a home playoff.
6. BRUMBIES (P14, Pts 42)
They’re in sixth now, but if results involving the Stormers and the Waratahs go their way then the Brumbies could climb as high as second and jump straight into a home semi-final. They close their conference season against the Force (away) and the Crusaders (home).
7. LIONS (P15, Pts 40)
It could be a case of ‘oh, so close’ for the Johannesburgers. With only one game left, they must beat the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday (with maximum points, preferably) and then hope that the Sharks do them a favour with victory over the Stormers on the final weekend. Outside of topping the SA conference it is hard to see the Lions sneaking into the playoffs.
8. CRUSADERS (P 14, Pts 36)
Their season is hanging on by a thread. A fixture against the Blues on Saturday is an absolute must-win, with a bonus point likely necessary too. They will hope that the Brumbies come unstuck against the Force on Friday, meaning next Saturday’s clash at the Brumbies has the potential to be a season decider.
9. BULLS (P14, Pts36)
The Rebels away and then the Cheetahs at home – that is what is left for the Bulls. If the Bulls win both of these matches with maximum points and the Stormers lose their last two matches, then the Bulls will be the unlikely winners of the SA conference. But it is well and truly out of their hands.
REMAINING FIXTURES
Friday, June 5
Hurricanes v Highlanders
Force v Brumbies
Saturday, June 6
Rebels v Bulls
Blues v Crusaders
Reds v Chiefs
Cheetahs v Waratahs
Stormers v Lions
Friday, June 12
Blues v Highlanders
Rebels v Force
Saturday, June 13
Brumbies v Crusaders
Chiefs v Hurricanes
Waratahs v Reds
Bulls v Cheetahs
Sharks v Stormers
