It’s now or never for those hoping to feature in the Super Rugby finals.

After 14 weeks, 11 teams still are in the running to reach the final eight knockout stages. To find out how your side is placed, we’ve crunched the numbers and spelled out all the permutations.

Super Rugby Rd 15 teams: All times AEST

Friday

Blues vs Highlanders at Eden Park. Kick-off 5:05pm

Dalton Papalii’s return headlines the Blues’ side to take on the Highlanders on Friday night.

The Blues captain missed the previous two weeks because of suspension, but his return is a timely one on the eve of the Super Rugby finals.

Star All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett has once again been kept on the sidelines, after the two-time World Rugby player of the year picked up a concussion against the Reds earlier in the month.

As such, Harry Plummer continues in the No.10 jersey after his fine showing against the Hurricanes last week. Stephen Perofeta returns via the bench.

The Highlanders have also named a settled side for their must-win clash at Eden Park, with Scott Gregory’s move onto the right-wing the only change to the starting XV.

Blues (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Anton Segner, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Rob Rush, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Matt Whaanga, Scott Gregory, Mitch Hunt

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Brumbies vs Rebels at GIO Stadium. Kick-off: 7:35pm

The Brumbies have welcomed back Wallabies Nic White and Cadeyrn Neville for their last match of the regular season against the Rebels, but have made eight changes to their starting side for Friday night’s clash.

While Jack Debreczeni will wear the No.10 jersey, with Noah Lolesio not risked after experiencing concussion symptoms following their 31-21 loss to the Chiefs.

It’s a brand new front-row for the Brumbies, with James Slipper given the week off following the birth of his first child. Connal McInerney comes in at hooker for Lachie Lonergan while Sefo Kautia starts at tight-head prop following Allan Alaalatoa’s season-ending injury.

Cadeyrn Neville makes a timely return in the second-row and partners Nic Frost, which sees Tom Hooper shift to blindside flanker. The move will see Pete Samu come off the bench.

It’s also a brand new halves pairing, with Debreczeni partnering Nic White, who returns after missing the past two matches.

Ollie Sapsford meanwhile starts at inside centre, with Tamati Tua to come off the bench.

“It’s great for us to have Nic and Cadeyrn back, especially with Allan likely to miss some time through injury,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.

“Family comes first for the club and after welcoming his first child, Slips needed to be with his family this week and it’s a fantastic opportunity for Fred to get his first start.

“Friday night’s an important game for us, a special night for Pete on his 100th, and we’ll recognise the contribution of our departing players and staff but the first job is to perform for our home crowd and that’s our focus.”

Meanwhile, the Rebels have named a settled side for their must-win clash.

Kevin Foote has made just the one change, with Nick Jooste starting at inside centre alongside Reece Hodge, who will play his 100th Super Rugby match.

Brumbies (1-15): Fred Kaihea, Connal McInerney, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Nic White (c), Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Pete Samu, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Tamati Tua, Jesse Mogg

Rebels (1-15):  Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Matt Philip, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Nick Jooste, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway

Replacements: Alex Mafi, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Pone Fa’amausili, Trevor Hosea, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Joe Pincus

Referee: Angus Gardner

Saturday

Drua vs Reds at HCF Bank Stadium

James O’Connor has been picked at No.10 for what is shaping as an explosive visit to Fiji.

The veteran has been playing at No.12 in recent weeks but he replaces Tom Lynagh at flyhalf with the youngster benched as one of five changes from Brad Thorn to the starting XV from the loss last week.

Ryan Smith returns to the starting side after recovering from a calf injury, while Seru Uru, who was ruled out with illness last round, replaces injured co-captain Liam Wright.
 
Hunter Paisami runs on at inside centre after making his comeback from a knee injury against the Highlanders last Friday night.
 
Filipo Daugunu also returns to play his first Super Rugby match in his home country.
 
After clearing return to play protocols from concussion, Tate McDermott will captain the side at scrumhalf, partnering O’Connor in an experienced halves combination.
 
Paisami’s successful return from a knee injury sees him start at inside-centre alongside Josh Flook in the centres, with Jock Campbell running on at fullback.
 
Fijian duo Daugunu and Suliasi Vunivalu, who yesterday re-signed with the Reds through 2025, will both feature in their birth country on the wings.
 
Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr make for an unchanged backrow, while Smith comes into the side at lock in place of the injured Connor Vest.
 
Angus Blyth starts in the second row as Queensland look to keep their finals hopes alive.
 
After missing last week’s match with illness, Uru starts alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson in the backrow.

Drua:  Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila,Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Teti Tela, Iosefo Masi, Eroni Sau, Selestino Ravutaumada.

Replacements: Mesu Dolokoto, Meli Tuni, Samuela Tawake, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Michael Naitokani

Reds (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Lopeti Faifua, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Lawson Creighton

Referee: Paul Williams

Hurricanes vs Crusaders at Sky Stadium. Kick-off: 5:05pm

The Hurricanes will be without Xavier Numia and Asafo Aumua, but Jason Holland has welcomed back Dane Coles in what shapes as the veteran hooker’s last home game.

The 36-year-old World Cup-winner will hang up the boots at season’s end, bringing an end to the rake’s illustrious career.

Coles, who led the Hurricanes to their first Super Rugby title in 2016, has battled calf and concussion injuries for most of the season but makes a timely return.

The Hurricanes have named a strong side for what is their final home game of the season against the Crusaders, with Brett Cameron at fly-half.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson meanwhile isn’t taking the foot off the gas either, with Scott Barrett returning at blindside flanker while Will Jordan has also been named at fullback.

The Crusaders will likely finish second on the Super Rugby standings, with the Hurricanes hoping the Brumbies slip up against the Rebels so they can sneak a home quarter-final.

Hurricanes: Tevita Mafileo, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Daniel Sinkinson, Josh Moorby.

Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Owen Franks, Justin Sangster, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan.

Crusaders: Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, John Afoa, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Dallan McLoud, Will Jordan

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl-Sykes-Martin, Reuben O’Neill, Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Louie Chapman, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki.

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off: 7:35pm

Darren Coleman has bolstered his side by adding three Wallabies to the starting XV that lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Mahe Vailanu returns to the starting side replacing David Porecki. Vailanu is joined by Harry Johnson-Holmes and Nephi Leatigaga who will look to make his starting debut this weekend.

Ned Hanigan returns to the starting line-up, he will partner with Hugh Sinclair in the second row.

Wallabies back rower Lachlan Swinton make his return having served his 7-week ban that occurred in round 7 against the Force.

He will be joined by Taleni Seu who moves to number eight and Langi Gleeson will revert to the bench.

Michael Hooper returns after being rested and will take over the captaincy from Jake Gordon. Hooper is leading the team in tackles this season (152) and will be looking to put on a performance in his final home match.

Harrison Goddard will make his starting debut this year as Gordon moves to the bench. Goddard will partner with Ben Donaldson in the halves.

The centres remain unchanged. Mosese Tuipulotu who led the team in tackles (17) last weekend will continue at inside centre, and Joey Walton will remain at outside centre.

The back three have been shuffled around in the absence on Max Jorgenson. Dylan Pietsch stays on the left wing and Izaia Perese will return and slot onto the right wing.

Perese will look to notch his 50th Super Rugby Cap this weekend (17 for QLD) against Moana Pasifika.

Mark Nawaqanitwase will step up and move from his usual wing position to fullback this weekend.

Meanwhile, Aaron Mauger has named a settled side from the one that lost by a point to the Drua last weekend.

Christian Lealiifano will run the cutter at fly-half against the Waratahs and has plenty of pace and muscle outside him, with Levi Aumua in the midfield and Timoci Tavatavanawai on the wing.

Waratahs: Nephi Leatigaga, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ned Hanigan, High Sinclair, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper (c), Taleni Seu, Harrison Goddard, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Mosese Tuipulotu, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Archer Holtz, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson

Moana Pasifika: Abraham Pole, Luteru Tolai, Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Michael Curry, Samuel Slade, Miracle Failagi, Penitoa Finau, Solomone Funaki (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga’anuku, William Havili,

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Ezekiel Lindemuth, Chris Apoua, Mike McKeee, Alamanda Motuaga, Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi

Referee: Graham Cooper

Force vs Chiefs at HBF Park. Kick-off: 10pm

Simon Cron has named one of his strongest sides in months, with Tom Robertson the only big-name absentee.

Needing to topple the ladder-leading Chiefs to stand a chance of qualifying for the final eight, Cron has recalled three of his best.

The team has been given a boost with the Chiefs decision to make 13 chages from the starting team that beat the Brumbies last week to secure top spot.

Santiago Medrano’s return is a big boost for the Force, with the Argentine tight-head crucial at the set-piece after the Force’s scrum was monstered last week.

Having made his return from injury via the bench, Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has also been named for his first start of the year. His return to the second-row comes just in the nick of time.

Halfback Gareth Simpson, who captain the Force in the early stages of the competition with Michael Wells sidelined, also returns at halfback for the first time in more than a month. His return sees livewire halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa drop back to the bench and his pace will be crucial in the second half.

Cron at last has some depth to call on in the second half, with regular first-choice players Felix Kalapu and Tim Anstee to add some punch while Toni Pulu has also been included on the bench.

Strong performances throughout the season have secured home playoffs for the Chiefs, allowing Clayton McMillan the chance to freshen some players and trial others this weekend.

In total, there are 11 new faces to the run-on side and 12 positional changes with only lock Laghlan McWhannell, centre Alex Nankivell and winger Etene Nanai-Seturo in the same spots as last week. While Rameka Poihipi moves from inside centre to fly-half.

Big names Samisoni Taukei’aho, lock Brodie Retallick, flanker Sam Cane and playmaker Damian McKenzie have all been left out.

“We are looking forward to playing the Western Force who have proven to be a difficult team to beat in Perth,” McMillan said.

“They are well-coached, play with flair and passion, and in front of a home crowd will be a fierce challenge.
 
“Clearly, we have taken the opportunity this week to freshen up some frontline players, which is purely a strategic decision. We have played some incredibly physical games over the last few weeks, and this along with the travel to and from Perth and a short turn-around to the quarterfinal, resting them became a bit of a no-brainer.”

Force (1-15): Angus Wagner, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Williams, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia
Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman, Toni Pulu

Chiefs: Ollie Norris, Tyrone Thompson, John Ryan, Laghlan McWhannell, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Samipeni Finau, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Poihipi, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Shaun Stevenson

Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Atunaisa Moli, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Rivez Reihana, Lalomilo Lalomilo

TBC

Referee: Nic Berry