Super Rugby: Who will make the playoffs?

The Crusaders are already into the playoffs. Photo Getty

There are three rounds left in Super Rugby and, of the 15 teams involved, the Crusaders have made the playoffs while the Reds and Sunwolves are out of the running. But of the other 12 contenders which teams are in with a decent shout of getting post-season action? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at the sides left in the race.

Jaguares 36 pts (second)
Teams to play: Reds (a), Sharks (h), Sunwolves (h).
The oil: Three very winnable games and should at least host a playoff game.
Chances: $1.01.

Brumbies, 34 pts (third)
Teams to play: Sunwolves (a), Waratahs (a), Reds (h)
The oil: Playing three teams in the bottom four. Should host a quarterfinal at least.
Chances: $1.01

Hurricanes, 40 pts (fourth)
Teams to play: Sharks (a), Lions (a), Blues (h)
The oil: Need to improve and have two tough games in Africa. May need to look over the shoulder to be sure of a home quarterfinal.
Chances: A definite placing.

Rebels, 33 pts (fifth)
Teams to play: Waratahs (h), Crusaders (a), Chiefs (h)
The oil: In control of their destiny but three hard games left. Need to win one.
Chances: Would have to collapse badly to miss out on some money.

Sharks, 33 pts (sixth)
Teams to play: Hurricanes (h), Jaguares (a), Stormers (a)
The oil: Not an easy finish but play better away from home and defence should get them there.
Chances: Should be there but not assured.

Bulls, 32 (seventh)
Teams to play: Blues (a), Highlanders (a), Lions (h)
The oil: Need to win one of their next two games. Not great travellers.
Chances: Evens.

Lions, 30 pts (eighth)
Teams to play: Stormers (h), Hurricanes (h), Bulls (a)
The oil: At home in the next two games then just up the road to Pretoria. Should make the grade.
Chances: Shortish

Stormers, 30 pts (ninth)
Teams to play: Lions (a), Sunwolves (h), Jaguares (a)
The oil: An easy game against the Sunwolves is sandwiched in between a couple of tough matches.
Chances: Longish.

Highlanders, 29 pts (10th)
Teams to play: bye, Bulls (h), Waratahs (h)
The oil: Bye is going to hurt them and need to score bonus-point victories in other two games.
Chances: Not great. Possible but out of their control.

Chiefs, 27 pts (11th)
Teams to play: Crusaders (Fiji), bye, Rebels (a).
The oil: Lose this week and it is all over. Unlikely at best.
Chances: Roughie

Waratahs, 26 pts (12th)
Teams to play: Rebels (h), Brumbies (h), Highlanders (a)
The oil: Too many in front of them, no consistency
Chances: Not exactly Winx odds.

Blues: 26 pts (13th)
Teams to play: Bulls (h), Reds (a), Hurricanes (a)
The oil: It is going to be difficult and damned hard. Unlikely.
Chances: Will need a run like Kiwi in 1983.

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