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Given the cannibalistic nature of the conference system in Super Rugby, one country getting three sides into the finals is seen as a great feat.
However this year, such is the strength on the New Zealand conference and the emergence of the Lions and Rebels as third powers in their respective conferences, the unthinkable scenario of four sides from one country in the final six looms as a distinct possibility.
It is highly unlikely, and some things need to happen like the Lions and Rebels maintaining their great form. I am also banking on the Hurricanes taking it easy the last few rounds against the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs and resting their star players.
It would be good for an All Black point of view as well. If they beat the Chiefs this week then the Canes should have top spot as good as locked up.
For Week 14 I have the Hurricanes (home) to beat the Chiefs, the Blues (h) to beat the Bulls, the Rebels (away) to beat the Reds, the Waratahs (h) to thump the Sharks, the Lions (h) to beat the Brumbies, and the Highlanders (a) to beat the Cheetahs.
That would leave Hurricanes 52, Chiefs 39, Highlanders 38, Waratahs 37, Bulls and Lions 35, Stormers and Brumbies 34, Rebels 33 and Crusaders 31.
For Week 15 I have the Chiefs (h) to beat the Bulls, the Hurricanes (a) to beat the Blues, the Crusaders (a) to beat the Waratahs, the Highlanders (a) to beat the Force, the Lions (a) to beat the Cheetahs, and the Stormers (h) to beat the Rebels.
That would leave Hurricanes 56, Chiefs 43, Highlanders 42, Lions 40, Stormers and Waratahs 38, Bulls 36, Crusaders 35, Rebel and Brumbies 34
Week 16 becomes interesting because I have the Hurricanes a virtual lock for top spot by then, which could see them rest some of their better players. This week I have the Crusaders (h) beating the Hurricanes, the Brumbies (h) beating the Bulls, the Sharks (h) to beat the Rebels, the Highlanders (h) to beat the Chiefs, the Stormers (h) to beat the Cheetahs and the Lions (h) to beat the Waratahs.
That would leave Hurricanes 57, Highlanders 46, Chiefs 44 and Lions 44, Stormers 42, Crusaders and Waratahs 39, Brumbies 38, Bulls 37 and Rebels 35.
Week 17 I’m expecting a half strength Hurricane team on the basis they can’t lose top spot. The Highlanders (a) over the Hurricanes, the Brumbies (a) over the Force, the Rebels (h) to beat the Bulls, the Crusaders (a) to beat the Blues, the Chiefs (a) to beat the Reds, the Waratahs (a) to beat the Cheetahs, and the Stormers (h) to beat the Lions.
That would leave Hurricanes 58, Highlanders 50, Chiefs 48, Stormers 46, Lions 45, Crusaders and Waratahs 43, Brumbies 42, Rebels 39 and Bulls 38.
Week 18 so many things will be up for grabs. Only sure thing will be the Hurricanes finishing top. I have the Blues (h) beating the Highlanders, the Rebels (h) beating the Force, the Crusaders (a) beating the Brumbies, the Chiefs (h) beating the Hurricanes, the Waratahs (h) smashing the Reds, the Bulls (h) over the Cheetahs, and the Sharks (h) beating the Stormers.
That would leave Hurricanes 59, Chiefs 52, Highlanders 51, Waratahs 48, Crusaders and Stormers 47, Lions 45, Rebels, Bulls and Brumbies 43.
These results would see four New Zealand sides make the finals. That would be a statement and a half.
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.