Who Will Join the Crusaders in the Super 14 Finals?

The Super 14 competition appeared to be a fairly boring race early with the Crusaders showing that they are a class above the rest. This hasn't changed and there is no doubt the Canterbury team will finish the regular season on top, will host two home finals and should win the competition.

What is exciting is the fact that the other 3 final places are up for grabs with 8 teams left, 3 spots to fill and only 4 weeks left of the regular season.

The Sharks looked to be the best hope for the South Africans this year though have been suspect in the latter part of the year. They have the Waratahs and the Crusaders away in the next two weeks. They could easily loose these two which will see them having to win their next two games impressively to scrape through. They will beat the Cheetahs and then they will have a ring dong battle with the Chiefs at home for probably the last spot. 50/50.

The Waratahs are currently third and are the Aussies real hope and this weekend's game against the Sharks is crucial for their success. They then travel for two hard road games in South Africa and then travel away to face the Reds in the all Australian derby. Should scrape in as long as they win this weekend.

The Stormers have been the surprise packet of the competition and play their last four in South Africa including three at home. Two of the games should be locks against the Highlanders and the Lions and the other two very winnable against the Brumbies and the Waratahs. Can't miss and should finish 2nd.

The Chiefs were my bolters pick early in the season and have eventually started to show what they are made off. They should beat the Reds this weekend at home but then have three hard games on the road. They should beat the Lions but the Force and the Sharks will be tougher. 50/50.

Hurricanes have an interesting run home. They play the Cheaters away this weekend in what really is a do or die affair for them. Then they have two very winnable games at home against the Lions and the Force. It may come down to the last game against the Blues in Auckland. Chance.

The Blues have been the disappointment of the year. They should get blown away by the Crusaders this weekend. They would then need to win the remaining three games with bonus points against the Highlanders and Reds away and then the Hurricanes at home. On form have no chance.

The Brumbies have had an incredible season. I thought they were a chance of the wooden spoon this year but have showed some real spirit. To see them alive and kicking this late in the season is truly amazing. They will beat the Lions easily this weekend but then face the Stormers and the Bulls over in South Africa and then the Force over in the west. Tough finish and need to keep winning against the odds.

The Force have had a strange season winning games on the road that they should have lost and then losing at home against teams they should have beaten. This will come with time and they should be very strong next year. They have the bye this weekend and will need to win their last three in good style and have other results go their way to have a chance. They have the Chiefs and Brumbies at home which are winnable and then play the Hurricanes in Wellington which will be tough. Only a very slim mathematical chance.

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