Super 14 - This Weeks Preview

It all comes down to this weekend in the Super 14 and I have to say the rugby in the last few weeks has been exciting and close. A few contenders dropped out on the weekend and a few emerged from the fire to still give themselves a chance. The big losers on the weekend were the Chiefs who have now lost their last two games and just simply don't deserve to be in the finals. Supporting the Chiefs must be a hair-tearing nightmare as they loose against sides that a good team should easily account for.

Well here is the wrap. The Hurricanes travel up North to play the Blues in Auckland. The equation for the 'Canes is simple; win and finish second and host a semi final. Lose and they probably miss the finals altogether. The Blues have to win, get the bonus point and then pray for results. The thing in their favour is that they play first on Friday night, so effectively they can post a club house score if they get the business done against the 'Canes. All Black jumpers will be further incentive for both teams and expect this game to be a cracker.

If the Waratahs beat the Reds up in Queensland they are in, if they loose they are almost certainly out. The Stormers need to travel and beat the Lions which should be an easy assignment with everything on the line, they have the same equation as the Waratahs; they must win and they are in, lose and they miss.

The Sharks played some very average football last weekend against the Cheetahs but did enough in the end to keep their dream alive. They have to beat the Chiefs and hope that the Tah's, the Stormers or the 'Canes lose. The Sharks are one of the most talented sides in the competition and really only have themselves to blame for not getting it done in the middle of the season.

It is a great weekend and none of these games are pushovers with all the favourites having to overcome local derbies on the road to keep their spots. Saying that I think the Stormers will find a way to win and are my best bet of the round. I also think the Hurricanes and Waratahs will find enough to orchestrate a victory though these two teams are far from renowned for getting the job done.

The finals might look like the Crusaders v Stormers in Christchurch and the Canes hosting the Tah's in Wellington. It will be a great weekend of football so get some beer in, fluff up that pillow on the coach and log onto sportsbet.com.au so you can be part of the action.

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