HOW IS THE SUPER RUGBY FINALS SERIES SHAPING UP?
With just one week of the regular season remaining, we take a moment to assess the Finals Series contenders and what Round 18 holds in store.
After the Lions drew with the Stormers in the final match of Round 17, the Finals Series picture became a lot clearer.
The top six is set. All that’s left to decide is the order in which they finish.
Let’s go through team-by-team to see what lies ahead.
Hurricanes (vs Chiefs, A) – following their victory over the Highlanders last week, this week’s clash against the Chiefs is inconsequential to the Hurricanes. While they will certainly be keen to keep the momentum rolling into the Finals Series, it may also be an opportunity for Chris Boyd to rest a few players in what looms as a crucial match for the Chiefs. As a result of their stellar performances to date, the Hurricanes have guaranteed themselves a week off and a home Semi-Final on the weekend of 26/27 June.
Waratahs (vs Reds, H) – the Wararahs received an unexpected boost when the Stormers failed to account for the Lions on Saturday. That result means the defending champions are now in the box seat to clinch the Australian Conference, second spot overall, a week off and a Semi-Final at Allianz Stadium. Although they are tied with the Brumbies, the ‘Tahs own the tie-breaker (most wins) and welcome the struggling Reds next weekend whereas the Brumbies play host to the Crusaders. The Waratahsn also have the advantage of playing after the Brumbies, so they will know exactly what is required to lock in that precious home Semi.
Stormers (vs Sharks, A) – although they clinched the South African Conference in the face of a tough challenge by the Lions, the men from Cape Town will be bitterly disappointed with the tie as it knocks them back to third spot and means they will likely have to play a Qualifier instead of having the week off. In order to clinch a top-two spot, the Stormers will not only have to win in Durban, but hope the Waratahs and Brumbies both falter at home.
Chiefs (vs Hurricanes, H) – stung by a heartbreaking defeat last time they met, the Chiefs will be desperate to turn the tables. As mentioned previously, the Hurricanes have already guaranteed top spot, so they may use this week to rest a few key players, while the Chiefs will be keen to hold on to fourth spot overall and ensure their Qualifier is played at Waikato Stadium. A points differential of just one separates them from the Highanders however, so they will be looking to not only win, but win handsomely, or they could be hitting the road.
Highlanders (vs Blues, A) – the Highlanders are tied with the Chiefs on 48 log points, but find themselves behind their New Zealand rivals by virtue of just one point differential. A visit to Auckland may be just what the doctor ordered as they seek to turn the tables and deliver a final to Dunedin. As the first match of Round 18, the Highlanders will be looking to score four tries and win by as many as possible to lay the marker down for the Chiefs who face the Hurricanes the following evening.
Brumbies (vs Crusaders, H) – while the prospect of facing the Crusaders in the final week of the regular season is daunting on paper, the Brumbies will be happy to know the seven-time champs are out of contention for the Finals Series, but don’t think they won’t be motivated as it’s going to be the final game for many club stalwarts, including Richie McCaw and Dan Carter. The Brumbies can still clinch a home Semi-Final if the Waratahs falter, but they are most likely facing a Qualifier against the Stormers, Chiefs or Highlanders – and they will want to beat the Crusaders to give thmselves every chance of playing that match in Canberra.
Courtesy of SANZAR
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