Super 14 semi final picture coming into focus

After the first two games of the final round, the playoff picture is becoming pretty clear. After the Chiefs beat the Brumbies by 10-7, they secured a home semi final for themselves as they can now finish now worse than second, while the Brumbies are out. The Waratahs managed to beat the Lions 38-33 and secure a bonus point for themselves, but it may not be enough for Australia’s last chance to have a team in the semis.

The Waratahs sit on 41 points, currently third, and have a points differential of +29. However the teams around them are yet to play this weekend. The Hurricanes have 39 points and a points differential of +92 so can make the semi finals with a draw against the Reds, although given current form it seems far more likely that they will claim a bonus point win.

Then we have the Crusaders on 37 points with a points differential of +31, which means a win without a bonus point against the Blues tonight would put them above the Waratahs on points difference.

Then we have a final game of the round between the Bulls and Sharks, which depending on other results could be a do or die game for the Sharks, or a dead rubber. The Sharks have 36 points and a points differential of +44, so should the Cruaders win, without a bonus point and by 13 points or fewer, a Sharks bonus point win would see them in the semi finals.

For the Bulls, on 42 points, their semi final spot is sewn up, it’s just a matter of what position they end up occupying. Even a loss to the Sharks without scoring a bonus point would see them finish no worse than fourth.

Essentially, the playoff picture hinges almost entirely on the Crusaders v Blues game. A bonus point win by the Crusaders seals up the top four as the Chiefs, Bulls, Hurricanes and Crusaders, while anything else sees the door left slightly open for Sharks and Waratahs. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be fun!

Similar Posts:

• Power Rankings: The road to the semis
• With seven teams still alive, the Super 14 goes down to the wire
• Here’s what I think Super 15 should look like
• Inside The Numbers Week 12: Bonus Points
• Power Rankings: Who will make the top four?

The Super 14 semi final picture coming into focus by Hamish McBrearty, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.