Rugby Super 14: Who Will Make the Finals?

There are seven teams, half of the table, who can still fill the four finals slots in what has been a strange 2009 Super 14.

The rugby has been, for the most part, average. The crowds were small and the media coverage was stinging.

For all that, we have the closest tournament in years—perhaps in the tournament's entire history.

Here is the current ladder, split at seventh position:

• Bulls—42
• Chiefs—41
• Hurricanes—39
• Crusaders—37
• Brumbies—37
• Sharks—36
• Waratahs—36

• W. Force—31
• Blues—31
• Highlanders—24
• Lions—24
• Stormers—23
• Reds—18
• Cheetahs—11

The Bulls

It is unthinkable that the team leading into the final round would not make the four. For that to happen, the Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders would all need to win capably whilst the bulls lose to the Sharks. They'd also need the Chiefs to get a bonus point while losing to The Brumbies!

The Bulls are in. They will do it with a bonus point win over the Sharks.

The Chiefs

They will make it, also. The Brumbies are a good side—the Chiefs are better and, with Richard Kahui, Sitiveni Sivivatu, and Lelia Masaga terrorising the Brumbies outside backs, they will qualify in second for the home final with a bonus point win in Hamilton.

The Hurricanes

They'll visit the injury-ravaged Queensland Reds. This will not be easy, as the Reds will be competitive. However, the 'Canes will run out winners—perhaps not with a bonus point—but their two point cushion makes them easy qualifiers in third.

The Crusaders

The fourth spot will go to the Crusaders. Auckland decided that they didn't need a defence at round three, and have been leaking points for fun ever since. The Crusaders pride themselves in keeping their line intact and will run over the top of the Blues to clinch the fourth spot.

This leaves the Brumbies, Sharks, and Waratahs to start planning next year’s campaign in earnest.