This, ladies and gentlemen, is what you call a try saving tackle.

With the try line looming for the Stormers pacy outside centre, Juan De Jongh, The Chiefs’ Bryce Heem denied a certain try with a try saving tackle that resonated with a never say die attitude.

Clip Credit: Le-Rugbynistere: Daily Motion

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It’s always a great moment when you a score a try; but scoring a try and leaving two All Blacks eating your dust in the process only adds to the occasion.

In the Highlanders’ recent victory over the Chiefs, Fijian winger Patrick Osborne left not only former All Black Hosea Gear clutching at thin air but also current All Black and dual code superstar, Sonny Bill Williams.

The try and, indeed, the victory made the day all that sweeter for Osborne.

Clip Credit: Le-Rugbynistere

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The Hurricanes, Stormers, Brumbies and Chiefs are all flying high, while last year’s finalists find themselves at the wrong end of the table.

Chiefs V Highlanders

Last week, the Chiefs really put a stamp on their title claim with a thumping win over the Crusaders.

In 2015, the Chiefs look like the real deal. The combination of SBW and Aaron Cruden is proving devastating. While the Highlanders claimed their second win of the season over the Reds, the Chiefs are a completely different prospect. The Highlanders will need to get more quality ball out to players such as Fekitoa and Naholo to really push this game.

Prediction

The Highlanders may feel like they’re on a bit of a roll, with a gutsy victory over the Reds last weekend, but the Chiefs outclass the Reds in every aspect. And being played in Hamilton, I feel the Chiefs will prove too strong for the men from Dunedin. Cheifs by 15.

CHIEFS: Tom Marshall; Hosea Gear, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe; Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu; Liam Messam (capt) / Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul; Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons; Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Siate Tokolahi, Mitchell Graham, Michael Allardice, Michael Leitch / Maama Vaipulu, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Andrew Horrell.

HIGHLANDERS: Ben Smith (co-capt); Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne; Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Nasi Manu (co-capt), Elliot Dixon, Gareth Evans; Joe Wheeler, Mark Reddish; Ma’afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Josh Hohneck. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Ross Geldenhuys, Tom Franklin, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Jason Emery.

Brumbies v Force

The hard-nosed and disciplined Brumbies should prove too strong for the one-dimensional Western Force.

The Canberra-based side have conceded one try in three games and have a lethal attack to complement their stoic defence. Steven Larkham’s side have also been awarded more penalties than any other team and conceded the fewest.

The return of Nick Cummins for the Force will provide some much-needed spark and hopefully a change in tactics from coach Michael Foley, who prefers to play a tight, forwards-based style.

Prediction

The Brumbies look set to show why they are top of the Australian conference and five-points clear of the fourth-placed Force. And with the game being played in Canberra, I can’t see the Force getting on top. Brumbies by 17.

BRUMBIES: Robbie Coleman, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali’ifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Blake Enever, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Jesse Mogg.

FORCE: Luke Morahan, Marcel Brache, Kyle Godwin, Solomoni Jnr Rasolea, Nick Cummins, Zack Holmes, Alby Mathewson, Ben McCalman, Chris Alcock, Brynard Stander, Steve Mafi, Sam Wykes (c), Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan. Reserves: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Oliver Hoskins, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Kane Koteka, Ian Prior, Sias Ebersohn, Luke Burton

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There’s only been one round played, it’s a bit early to be calling it. Especially when many of the New Zealand and South African teams are resting stars.

Chiefs V Brumbies

The Chiefs are bringing back their stars, and the Brumbies have lost David Pocock, yet again, to injury. Fortunately it’s his ankle, not his knee on this occasion, and he will be back in 4-6 weeks.

Returning for the Chiefs are All Blacks forwards Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam, while flyhalf Aaron Cruden will rekindle his partnership with superstar Sonny Bill Williams. Remarkably, these two teams were the only ones who finished in the top five last year to kick off 2015 with a win.

Prediction

Sure, the Brumbies destroyed the Reds last week, but that was on the back of the work of Pocock, who almost single-handedly starved the Reds of possession. This week with Cruden back to partner with SBW, as well as the match being played at New Plymouth, it makes it impossible to go past the Chiefs. Chiefs by 6.

CHIEFS: James Lowe, Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber; Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (capt), Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons, Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Jamie Mackintosh.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick, Tevita Koloamatangi, Augustine Pulu, Damian McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu.

BRUMBIES:  Robbie Coleman, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano,  Joseph Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Ben Alexander, Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio.

Reserves: Stephen Moore, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Sean Doyle, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Lausii Taliauli.

Rebels V Waratahs

Some interesting stats in the lead-up to this match. The Waratahs have never started a season with two losses, and the Rebels have never started with two wins. The key to this match is the back-row, with the Rebels loose three putting in a high quality performance against the Crusaders and the Waratahs’ counterparts well below par against the Force, only managing one turn over in the 80 minutes.

The ‘Tahs won’t be helped by the loss of Wallaby Cliff Palu with a knee injury. Melbourne are missing suspended halfback Nic Stirzaker but have a very capable substitute in Luke Burgess. The Tahs match up well against the Rebels and surely couldn’t play as badly as they did against the Force.

Prediction

The Rebels will be coming into this match full of confidence after their amazing performance against the Crusaders, and the Waratahs will have a point to prove after failing against the Force.

The odds at most betting agencies have the ‘Tahs, playing at home a strong favourite, but I think it’ll be a lot closer than that suggests. Waratahs by 3.

REBELS: Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Luke Burgess (capt), Scott Higginbotham, Colby Fainga’a, Sean McMahon, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith.

Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Ben Meehan, Bryce Hegarty, Sefanaia Naivalu

WARATAHS: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravaro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Stephen Hoiles, Michael Hooper, Jaques Potgieter, Will Skelton, David Dennis (capt), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Sam Lousi, Mitchell Chapman, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro, Pat McCutcheon, Peter Betham.

Bulls v Hurricanes

The Bulls fell way short of the lofty expectations many were expecting from them in their loss to the Stormers last week. The Hurricanes on the otherhand showed that the hapless Lions look destined for another cellar dweller season by beating them in Johannesburg.

Pierre Spies comes into the Bulls lineup as captain after replacing injured No.8 Arno Botha. Meanwhile, All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu will make his first return appearance for the Hurricanes at the expense of Rey Lee-Lo. Flanker Callum Gibbins will also make his first start for the ‘Canes ahead of much-touted youngster Ardie Savea.

Prediction

The ‘Canes can go from hot to cold at a moments notice, and playing against a higher quality team this week in the shape of the Bulls, we can expect a much closer contest.

I think the Bulls will bounce back from last weeks results to put in a much beef-ier performance. Bulls by 4.

BULLS: Jesse Kriel, Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Francois Hougaard, Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl, Pierre Spies (capt), Lappies Labuschagne, Deon Stegmann, Victor Matfield, Jacques du Plessis, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Morne Mellett.

Reserves: Callie Visagie, Dean Greyling, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Grant Hattingh, Hanro Liebenberg, Rudy Paige, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jurgen Visser.

HURRICANES: Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (capt), Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott, Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes.

Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Ardie Savea, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor

Happy Tipping.

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And after a lack-lustre performance by a majority of the teams in the South African conference, no doubt the boys from Africa will come out firing to prove they’re not the easy-beats as many labelled them 2014.

Lions V Hurricanes

Despite being perennial cellar-dwellers, the Lions finished last season with three straight wins, not to mention coming second in the 2014 Currie Cup. Yet even if they finally get things clicking in 2015, you just never know what Hurricanes outfit will show up in South Africa.

One of Super Rugby’s most unpredictable teams, the Hurricanes will have to do it without All Blacks Ma’a Nonu (birth of child) and Jeremy Thrush (calf).

The Lions, having only completed their 2015 squad last week is an unknown quantity themselves, and playing at home, are tough to beat.

Prediction

Without a game being played in anger, it’s hard to determine exactly how each team will go in their first match. The Lions’ defence will have to be at their best with the counter attacking capability of the Hurricanes back three.

A strong kick-chase game, coupled with the goal kicking boot of Marnitz Boshoff is the Lions best chance to win. However, I feel the Hurricanes have too much strike power. Hurricanes by 6.

LIONS: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan, Marnitz Boshoff, Ross Cronjé, Warren Whiteley (Capt), Derick Minnie, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Martin Muller, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Schalk van der Merwe.

Reserves: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Jacques van Rooyen, Robert Kruger, Warwick Tecklenburg, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies, Stokkies Hanekom.

HURRICANES: Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (Capt), Rey Le-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dan Coles, Ben Franks.

Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Reggie Goodes, Chris Eves, Callum Gibbins, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor.

Blues V Chiefs

Sonny Bill Williams is back in the Chiefs’ line-up but a host of All Blacks are being rested with the World Cup in mind.

Keven Mealamu and Patrick Tuipulotu won’t run out for the Blues while Brodie Retallick, Aaron Cruden and Liam Messam are absent for the Chiefs.

Champion All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock returns from shoulder surgery to play his first Super Rugby match in eight months, while Luke Braid makes his shoulder injury comeback from the bench.

The Blues might have a solid success rate against fellow Kiwi teams at home, but the Chiefs boast a more respectable outfit – having made the finals in their three previous seasons.

Prediction

Even though the match is being played at QBE Stadium, the Chiefs are fielding a far more respectable line-up, including the massive ‘in’ of SBW, who will most likely take a lot of attention of the inexperienced Chief’s halves pairing, allowing him to play with more freedom.

The Blues are playing far from their strongest XV, resting many. Due to this fact, I find it hard to go past the Chefs. Chiefs by 8.

BLUES: Lolagi Visinia, Charles Piutau, George Moala/Hamish Northcot, Francis Saili, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino (Capt), Brendon O’Connor, Steven Luatua, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Angus Ta’avao, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, Akira Ioane, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Hamish Northcott/Ben Lam.

CHIEFS: Tom Marshall, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul, Mike Fitzgerald, Matt Symons (Capt), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu.

Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Jamie Mackintosh, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Allardice, Tevita Koloamatangi, Augustine Pulu, Marty McKenzie, Bryce Heem.

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The Brumbies raced out to a 22-3 lead on Saturday night, but as they learnt in last year’s grand final, you can never write off a side chasing their third straight title.

All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden spearheaded the fightback as the Chiefs levelled the scores midway through the second half.

But the Brumbies regained the advantage with a converted try from a well-constructed driving maul before Cruden failed to convert a Gareth Anscombe five-pointer with three minutes to go.

It was sweet revenge for the Brumbies as Ben Mowen won what is likely to be his last and 50th game as skipper in front of 14,284 fans at Canberra Stadium.

Workhorse lock Sam Carter was able to constantly get over the advantage line, while it took three Chiefs players to bring down superb winger Henry Speight on most occasions.

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Brumbies Vs Chiefs

In a replay of last year’s grand final, the Brumbies get the first shot at knocking the two-time defending champions out. While the Brumbies are talking down the ‘revenge’ angle, you can be sure there is not one player amongst them who has forgotten the pain of having the trophy ripped from their grasp in the final 15 minutes of Super Rugby last year.

For the Chiefs this is their chance to respond to their critics and show that they are not pretenders, but genuine contenders. Sudden death play-off games realistically started last week for the Chiefs, and if the Chiefs are to make it three in a row, they have to do it the hard way.

The Brumbies have made just one starting tweak, Robbie Coleman returning from a quad niggle for injured winger Clyde Rathbone (hamstring). The Chiefs will also have the luxury of making just one change, with Dwayne Sweeney starting at fullback, pushing Tom Marshall to the bench.

The Brumbies are coming into this qualifying final full of momentum after smashing the Western Force 47-25 in Canberra last week. Five-eighth Matt Toomua picked up a hat-trick in the win, and his battle with All Blacks No.10 Aaron Cruden should be a cracker.

The Chiefs only just scraped into the finals with an 11-8 victory over the Blues last week. But they’ve proven they’re a big-match side, winning their last four finals matches – albeit all at home.

The Chiefs thrive off broken play, and the Brumbies thrive off denying their opposition of opportunities. The Brumbies have one of the best set piece forward packs in the competition and will be looking to dominate the scrum and the lineout. We can expect the Brumbies to get on top of the Chiefs forward pack early on, and continue that dominance throughout the 80 minutes.

Because of that, we’re tipping the Brumbies to get on top at home. Brumbies to win by 6.

Sharks Vs Highlanders

The Highlanders have been woeful away from home this year, they’ve lost all three of their last away matches, two of which were heavy defeats to the table topping Waratahs and Crusaders. With just one win in the last month, the Highlanders have limped their way into the top six, form seems to have deserted them at the wrong end of the season.

Everyone is writing off the Highlanders against the Sharks; their third match against a conference leading team in as many weeks. But with co-captain Ben Smith returning from a leg infection to take his place as custodian, his kick-returns will go a long way to nullifying the Sharks ‘Jakeball’ kicking game.

The Highlanders will also take confidence from the fact they shocked the Sharks with a bonus-point win in Durban in round 11. That was the first loss the Sharks suffered at home in nine games.

Meanwhile, never one to shirk away from a big call, Sharks’ director of rugby Jake White is risking the return of five-eighth Pat Lambie. The Springbok back hasn’t played competitive rugby since March 22 when he injured a bicep against the Bulls. But with the Sharks re-discovering their mojo with a 34-10 win over the Stormers last week, his return would be more readily accommodated this week than it would if they are to book a date against the Crusaders.

Despite the Sharks form deserting them in the last few weeks, you can never write them off at home. And coupled with the Highlanders seemingly forgetting how to play the game the minutes they board a plane, we’re tipping the Sharks to win by 12.

Happy tipping, what your thoughts?

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With nine teams still in contention for the finals, most teams find themselves in a must win situation. Over the next two days, we find out who plays on and who goes home.

 Blues Vs. Chiefs

The first of four games with massive finals ramifications. Expect a high-octane affair, the Blues MUST win by at least 38, scoring a minimum of five tries along the way. There will be no holding back by the Blues, they’ll certainly have a tries at all costs mentality. Yet, the Blues will still be knocked out if the Chiefs or the loser of Brumbies v Force jag a bonus point.

The equation for the Chiefs is simple, win. A win will guarantee them finals birth, if they don’t win, they MUST gain two bonus points to have any chance. One bonus point for the Chiefs will not be enough to get ahead of the Hurricanes, who have a far superior for and against (63 vs. 3).

Making life tough for the Blues will be the absence of Luke Braid and Tony Woodcock. The Chiefs have made just one change, with centre Bundee Aki replacing the injured Charlie Ngatai.

The only home game the Blues have lost all year was against the Sharks in North Harbour, and the Blues are yet to drop a game at Eden Park this season. Because of the Blues form in Auckland, I’m tipping them to take it out.

Blues to win by 12 in a highly entertaining match.

 Brumbies Vs. Force

The finals scenario is the same for both these teams, they’re both locked on 40 points and the same amount of wins. The winner of this match will be hot favorites to finish in 4th and secure a home qualifying final.

Even in a losing team, a bonus point should be enough to get the loser through – if my tip in the previous game (Blues v Chiefs) holds true. A losing bonus point will put them equal on points with the Hurricanes (41) but both the Brumbies and the Force have a superior number of wins, and will thus move higher on the table.

Wallabies Matt Toomua and Sam Carter are back for the Brumbies after their last-start loss to the Waratahs – not to mention third-string hooker Josh Mann-Rea. The Force have lost powerful flanker Hugh McMeniman to a one-week suspension for kneeing. In the visitors’ favour is the fact the Brumbies haven’t won a last-round match since 2007, with the Force beating them last year and in 2008.

Even though last round form is against the Brumbies they should still be too strong at home. The Brumbies will no doubt look to secure a win before going for a bonus point, meaning a lot of penalty goals being traded. Because of this, the Force should have an easy-ish time in hunting a losing bonus point.

I’m tipping the Brumbies by 4.

 Bulls Vs. Rebels

One of only two ‘who cares’ matches of the final round. There is little to play for, for these two teams other than pride. Both teams are out of finals contention, but it’s likely the Rebels will be more desperate than the Bulls.

Only a win for the Rebels will give them a chance of avoiding the wooden spoon following last weeks loss to the Lions. They’ll have to do so without skipper Scott Higginbotham, who has received a one-game suspension for repeated yellow cards this season.

The Bulls haven’t lost at their high-altitude home all year. They’ll be hurting after last week’s 16-0 loss to the Stormers and will want to avoid finishing the season with three straight defeats.

The Rebels really have had a season to forget, and the Bulls will want to finish on a high, because of this and the Bulls home ground form, I’m tipping the Bulls to win by 14.

What’s your predictions?

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Table as it stands after round 18

Let’s take a look.

Firstly, we should take into consideration how SANZAR separates teams who are locked on the same total points at the end of the season:

1.  Most wins
2. Highest aggregate points difference
3. Most tries
4. Highest aggregate difference between tries scored and tries conceded
5. Toss of the coin

Crusaders possible finishing position: 2nd – 4th

For the Crusaders to keep second place on the table they must win, preferably with a bonus point. If the Sharks get a win, they’ll be on the same points. But they’re only eight behind in terms of for and against.

The big advantage for the Crusaders, if they end up on the same total at the end of the week as the Sharks, the Crusaders are a long way ahead of the Sharks on tries scored. But the only way to guarantee a second place finish, is to get a big win over the Highlanders.

However, if they do lose, they are still guaranteed a home qualifying final.

Sharks possible finishing positions: 2nd – 3rd

The Sharks will realistically need to win convincingly, and with a bonus point against the Stormers to claim second. They are 11 tries behind the Crusaders over the course of the season but are only eight behind on points difference. Because of this, we may see the Sharks break out of the penalty goal mentality this weekend.

The good news for the Sharks is they are that far ahead on the South African conference they can’t possible finish any lower than where they currently are.

Highlanders possible finishing positions: 2nd – 7th

For the Highlanders to finish second, they need to win with a bonus point, and hope neither the Sharks or the Crusaders gain anything out of their last round matches.

While the Highlanders have scored more tries than either the Crusaders or the Sharks, they are too far behind on wins and points for and against to get ahead of either of them, if they end up locked on equal points.

A bonus point of any kind will be enough for the Highlanders to finish in the top six. But if they fail to gain a bonus point in a loss to the Crusaders, and a scenario where the following two things all play out; The loser of the Force v Brumbies match gaining two bonus points, and the Chiefs beat the Blues, they will find themselves out of the top six all together.

Hurricanes possible finishing positions: 6th – 9th

The Hurricanes are in a position that no team ever wants to be in. They have to rely on other results to keep them in the race.

For the Canes to remain in the top six, the need the Blues to beat the Chiefs by no more than 37, while hoping the Chiefs gain no more than one bonus point, max. As well as praying that the loser out of the Brumbies v Force don’t take any bonus points home.

I’m afraid to say, that when I shook the magic 8-ball, it came up “out look, not good” for Hurricanes fans.

Brumbies possible finishing positions: 4th – 9th

The Brumbies are in a good position to claim 4th spot at the end of next week. They’ll only need to get a win against the Force at home and hope the Crusaders beat the Highlanders (which they are strong favorites to do). With the Chiefs being two wins behind the Brumbies, that should be enough for them to claim 4th.

However, if they do lose, they NEED to get a bonus point. Any bonus point will put them ahead of the Hurricanes, but even that may not be enough to keep them in the top six. If they gain two bonus points in a loss to the Force and the Highlanders lose, then that will be enough for the Brumbies to stay in the finals race. If they lose with only one bonus point, then they need to pray the Blues beat the Chiefs.

In the event where the Brumbies draw against the Force, that will also be enough to get them through, and still possibly claim 4th if both the Highlanders and the Chiefs go down.

Force possible finishing positions: 4th – 9th

With the Force and the Brumbies both locked on 40 points and playing each other in the final round, the Force are in the same boat as the Canberrans in terms of possible outcomes.

The only difference is, if they draw with the Brumbies, without gaining a four-try bonus point, the Force couldn’t possibly take 4th.

Chiefs possible finishing positions: 4th – 9th

The Chiefs pretty much need to win to keep their title defense alive. Any win will be enough to get them into the top six, but a bonus point victory, while hoping the loser of the Brumbies v Force game don’t gain a bonus point, and at the same time, if the Highlanders lose to the Crusaders, we will see the Chiefs finish 4th and secure a home qualifying final.

If the Chiefs do go down against the Blues, they’ll need to take two bonus points out of the match, as well as praying the loser of the Brumbies v Force only gain one bonus point, max. In that scenario, the Chiefs will finish 6th. Same result if they draw with the Blues.

Lastly, I’m only mentioning this to cover all bases, this is the most improbable outcome of all the hypothetical situations I have, and will cover; If the Chiefs draw with a bonus point, and the Brumbies and Force draw without a bonus point, as well as the Highlanders losing, in that scenario, the Chiefs would finish 4th.

Blues possible finishing position: 6th – 9th

There is no more than one situation where the Blues can make the play-offs. They need to win BIG, and with a bonus point.

They’ll need to beat the Chiefs by at least 38 points, as well as praying the loser out of the Brumbies v Force don’t gain any bonus points out of their match.
If the Brumbies, Force or Chiefs gain a bonus point in a losing match, their season will be over.

RBP’s prediction

How do we think the table will finish up I hear you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked.

1. Waratahs
2. Crusaders
3. Sharks
4. Brumbies
5. Highlanders
6. Force
7. Hurricanes
8. Blues
9. Chiefs

What’s your final table predictions?

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One match on tonight that will be pivotal in deciding what the ultimate shape of the final six will be.

Chiefs v Hurricanes

It’s crunch time for both these teams today, a loss here will be the end of the road for one. While the Canes be without Conrad Smith, Alapati Leiua, Andre Taylor and Victor Vito, it’s the fitness of rake Dane Coles (calf) who the Canes are sweating over amid a hooker crisis.

Winning will be made even more difficult by the fact the Chiefs’ destiny remains in their own hands. Despite losing their last three, including a 37-point hiding by the Canes, the defending champions can still sneak into the finals with two wins.

I’m tipping the Chiefs, as long as they can get their wayward lineout together and keep the penalty count low.

Chiefs by 8

Lions v Rebels

Only die hard Lions and Rebels fans will really care about the outcome of this dead rubber. Although in the cellar, both proud teams should come out firing as the loser could very well end up with the dreaded wooden-spoon.

Expect Rebels hooker and Japanese international Shota Horie to be full of confidence after re-signing earlier this week. That said, the Lions have surprised all by winning four of their six home games this season. And those two losses were to the conference-leading Sharks and Crusaders.

The Rebels are yet to win outside Australia and Rebels coach Tony McGahan blasted his side for their “soft” performance against the Reds. The Rebels have made four changes for the clash and they’ll need to harden up quickly and keep their discipline to have any chance.

I’m tipping the Lions to get there on the boot of Boshoff, Lions by 6.

Good luck, good tipping!

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