Super 15 Rugby 2013 Fixtures: Breaking Down Upcoming Matches on Schedule

After a long season of Super Rugby, the finals are only a few matches away. 

There are four squads looking to become the 2013 winners of the biggest rugby league in the Southern Hemisphere, and most of them have been in this position recently.

The Bulls, Chiefs and Crusaders represent the last three champions of this prestigious league, with only the Brumbies not winning a title in the last few seasons. However, the club is just as capable of pulling out a title as anyone else remaining.

Meanwhile, the Lions and Kings will battle for a chance to play for the final spot in the league next season.

There is plenty to watch in the coming days, all leading up to the Aug. 3 championship. Here is a look at what to expect in Round 22.

Note: Schedule courtesy of SuperXV.com. 

Lions vs. Kings

Match 1

When: Friday, July 26, at 5 p.m. GMT

Where: Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Watch: Sky Sports 

Match 2

When: Saturday, Aug. 3, at 12 p.m. GMT

Where: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Watch: Sky Sports

This home-and-home matchup will decide which club gets to participate in Super Rugby next season.

The Kings have struggled mightily this season and were clearly the worst team in the league. They only won three of their 16 matches and have not won since a May 11 victory over the Highlanders.

They were also outscored by a total of 266 points this season, which was twice as bad as anyone else in the league.

On the other hand, the Lions have struggled throughout the years as well when in the league, most recently in 2012.

While neither side can claim to have earned a right to play in Super 15, the Kings have played against the best all year and should be more prepared for the upcoming fight. If Demetri Catrakilis and company can live up to their potential, the Kings should be able to survive this test and retain their eligibility next season. 

Chiefs vs. Crusaders

When: Saturday, July 27, at 6:35 a.m. GMT

Where: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand

Watch: Sky Sports

Although the Crusaders are coming off a dominant win over the Reds in the previous round, they will have their hands full against the top-seeded Chiefs in this one.

Not only did are the Chiefs the defending champions of the league, but they capped off an impressive year by finishing with the most points in 2013. The Crusaders have had a tough time getting beyond the fellow New Zealand club, and this time will be no different.

When these two sides battled in last year's semifinal, the Chiefs barely squeaked out a 20-17 victory. However, the eventual winners could be even better this year with a deep roster full of players who can score at any time.

While the Crusaders have a strong defense, it will be almost impossible for them to even slow down the opposing attack. 

The Chiefs have the strongest squad in the tournament and should be able to at least advance to the finals. 

Bulls vs. Brumbies

When: Saturday, July 27, at 3:05 p.m. GMT

Where: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa

Watch: Sky Sports

This is a battle between the two top scorers in the league. Morne Steyn has been among the highest scorers throughout his career and finished on top of Super Rugby this year as well. 

On the other side of the field, the Brumbies are led by Christian Lealiifano, who finished right behind Steyn for second in points scored.

Each player is extremely talented and has the ability to carry their teams with big performances in this one.

Against the Cheetahs, the Brumbies showcased their defensive ability as well in a narrow 15-13 victory. They are great tacklers and will do their best to keep the matches low scoring.

While the Bulls have one of the top offenses in the league, they have not fared as well against top opponents this season. The attack is certain to be slowed down enough to cause the match to be decided by one or two plays.

This could allow the Brumbies to pull off the upset in this one.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.