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Hurricanes centre Conrad Smith - Source: Photosport -
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Both Colin Cooper and Todd Blackadder would have produced a wry smile this morning as the out-of-contention Sharks opened up the prospect of a New Zealand side hosting a Super 14 semi-final.
Their surprise 20-14 victory over the second-placed Stormers has left the defending champions Bulls as the only side assured of a top-four berth.
It wasn't so long ago, last week to be precise, that pundits and fans alike across the rugby caring Southern Hemisphere all but ruled out a New Zealand presence in the final weeks of May but now such speculation couldn't be further from the truth.
Heading into a thrilling final round the Stormers, Waratahs, Brumbies, Hurricanes, Crusaders and - at a pinch - even the Reds stand a chance of filling the final three slots in the knockout phase.
Chasing a third title in four seasons, the Bulls are way ahead on the table with 47 points followed by the Stormers (39), Waratahs (38), Brumbies and Hurricanes (37 each), seven-time champions Crusaders (36) and virtual no-hopers Reds (34).
Adding to the final-round drama next weekend will be three games involving top-six head-to-heads with Stormers hosting Bulls, Crusaders home to Brumbies and Hurricanes away to Waratahs.
So round 14 shapes as a preliminary playoff week for the top six sides with many a permutation possible.
Bulls (v Stormers in Cape Town)
Current Points: 47
Maximum points: 52
Points Differential: 119 plus
Win or lose at Cape Town next Sunday the Bulls have wrapped up the
top seeding and with it a home semi-final and final - if they're
good enough. Important to note that their playoff fixtures will not
be held at Loftus Versfeld but at Orlando Stadium in Soweto because
the former is booked in for the Football World Cup.
Stormers (v Bulls in Cape Town)
Current Points: 39
Maximum Points: 44
Points Differential: 166
plus
The Stormers' shock loss to the Sharks has Graham Henry's favourite
Super 14 side in real danger of missing out on semi-final hosting
rights. A defeat to the Bulls, without a bonus point, could consign
the Stormers to as low as fourth but their superior points
differential means they are all but assured of a playoff berth.
Waratahs (v Hurricanes in Sydney)
Current Points: 38
Maximum Points: 43
Points Differential: 81 plus
The Waratahs' convincing bonus point victory over the hapless
Chiefs has set up a virtual quarter-final against the Hurricanes in
Sydney next Saturday night. Win and they could finish as high as
second and, assuming the Stormers lose, even host a semi-final the
following week. Lose and their fate is in the hands of others
although a couple of bonus points should elevate them above the
chasing pack.
Brumbies (v Crusaders in Christchurch)
Current Points: 37
Maximum Points: 42
Points Differential: 85 plus
The Brumbies travel to Christchurch in the knowledge that
only a win can guarantee them playoff rugby. A bonus point win
however - along with a Stormers defeat and a Hurricanes win without
a bonus point - should land them a home playoff.
Hurricanes (v Waratahs in Sydney)
Current Points: 37
Maximum Points: 42
Points Differential: 49 plus
It's pretty simple for the Hurricanes: They need to win in
Sydney to stand any chance of making the playoffs. A bonus point
victory could propel them to as high as second assuming once again
that the Stormers lose and the Brumbies win without a bonus point.
Note that the Hurricanes have the poorest points differential of
any of the finals contenders.
Crusaders (v Brumbies in Christchurch)
Current Points: 36
Maximum Points: 41
Points Differential: 75 plus
The Crusaders may have been robbed of victory in Pretoria
however the two bonus points they picked up was sufficient enough
to stay in the hunt. Like the three teams above them, the Crusaders
can finish as high as second if the Stormers lose and the
Hurricanes win without a bonus point.
Reds (v Highlanders in Brisbane)
Current Points: 34
Maximum Points: 39
Points Differential: 56
plus
The Reds may come to rue the fact that they failed to score a
fourth try on Friday night against the Hurricanes. They now need to
beat the Highlanders with a bonus point and then hope that one or
both of the matches in Christchurch and Sydney end in a draw.
