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With four rounds to go, its time to review the hopes of the teams remaining in the hunt for this year’s Super 14 finals. A potential logjam of teams is looming heading into the final rounds.
1st- Crusaders (34)
To play: Force (a), Stormers (a), Bulls (a), Brumbies (h)
A familiar sight at the top of the Super 14 ladder, the Crusaders have a particularly more difficult run home than most. While the South African tour will be difficult, the Crusaders appear to be a side still yet to click into top gear, which is frightening considering they have only lost one game all year.
A final round showdown with the Brumbies appears to loom large for the men from Christchurch, and as always, much will depend upon the likes of Carter, McCaw and Kieran Read.
2nd- Bulls (33)
Lions (h), Sharks (h), Crusaders (h), Stormers (a)
While seemingly going off the boil in recent rounds, strong early performances see the Bulls well placed, especially with all upcoming matches being played in the Republic.
This will however not be a simple task for the men of the highveldt, with their last three matches against potential semi finalists, in particular the apparent spoilers of this year, the Sharks.
3rd- Stormers (33)
Reds (a), Crusaders (h), Sharks (a), Bulls (h)
A side with likely the most difficult run home, but also appearing to be potentially the most threatening to the sides they play. Next week’s match against the Reds may determine much of their finals fortunes.
It is vital to their chances that Peter Grant is able to release the attacking genius of Fourie, Habana and Pietersen.
4th- Reds (30)
Stormers (h), Brumbies (a), Hurricanes (a), Highlanders (h)
For the entertainers and arguably the form team of Super Rugby, anything is possible, from the sublime to the ridiculous. The win over the Bulls may do wonders for this team, showing them they can win whilst not having everything go their way.
The battle between King Giteau and the heir apparent Quade Cooper in round 12 may go a long way to deciding their fate.
5th-Waratahs (29)
Brumbies (h), Highlanders (a), Chiefs (a), Hurricanes (h)
A seemingly revitalised 2010 Waratahs outfit will be counting on the fitness of front rowers Robinson and Polota-Nau, particularly since the loss of go-forward man Palu. While beaten by the Crusaders, they were never disgraced, and the way their opponents played that night showed the respect this team deserves.
The upcoming blockbuster with the Brumbies may go a long way to determining whether this is yet another “what could have been” year for the Tahs. The subsequent New Zealand tour will also provide no opportunity for the foot to be taken off the pedal either.
6th- Brumbies (26)
Waratahs (a), Reds (h), Highlanders (h), Crusaders (a)
So far proving the old adage that a team of champions doesn’t make a champion team, the injury-affected Brumbies must fulfil the much publicised potential this week against the Waratahs.
The shift to inside centre appeared to help, however the loss of Matt Toomua caused Giteau to shift back, and subsequently completely changes their attacking game plan. Whether these injured players return in time may well determine their season.
7th- Blues (25)
Sharks (a), Cheetahs (a), Lions (a), Chiefs (h)
Like the Reds, consistency is perennially the key for this team. If they can somehow scrounge a win against spoilers the Sharks next week, the leaky defences in the following rounds make anything possible, however the Blues own defence is cause for concern.
The return to form of Rokococo, linking up with star centre Rene Ranger, creates a formidable backline with noted hard man Mealamu leading from the front.
8th- Hurricanes (22)
Highlanders (a), Chiefs (h), Reds (h), Waratahs (a)
With no opportunities to slip, the Hurricanes appear little chance of fulfilling the tipsters predictions for them at the start of the year. However, as the Brumbies found out, teams underestimate them at their peril.
The likes of Weepu, Nonu and Tialata up front will ensure that this side competes to the finish, and may prove themselves nuisances to fellow potential finalists.
9th- Sharks (21)
Blues (h), Bulls (a), Stormers (h), Force (h)
While the battle with the Bulls looms largest for the resurgent Sharks, they will need to navigate the equally desperate Blues before even focusing on this clash. The attacking nous of a team not noted for try scoring will be severely tested, with not only wins but bonus points essential.
A side that all opponents will fear, whilst giving themselves a chance against them at the same time.
10th- Chiefs (21)
Cheetahs (h), Hurricanes (a), Waratahs (h), Blues (a)
After being deservedly walloped at home by the Stormers, very hard to see last year’s runners up making a dent at the business end this year.
A disappointing year for a team which showed their promise last year, but may still surprise and cause havoc for the remaining contenders.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.