Crusaders, 41pts
Current: Top of New Zealand conference, first overall.
Run-in: The side is unbeaten but, let’s be honest, has yet to be thoroughly examined. Four of its five final games are against New Zealand sides. That will be the litmus test.
Result: Make the playoffs but not as top NZ qualifier.
Lions, 37pts
Current: Top of Africa two conference, second overall.
Run-in: Will not play a New Zealand side at all and the team hosts the Bulls, Kings and Sunwolves in three weeks. Does the basics well and hard to see it falling away.
Result: Top qualifier and, to win the title, a side is going to have to go to Ellis Park and win. Not easy.
Stormers, 26pts
Current: Top of Africa one conference, third overall.
Run-in: The team gets home next week after a hell trip to New Zealand. Still has some tough games to come.
Result: Probably has enough points on the board to be the conference winner. From there things look unlikely.
Brumbies, 18pts
Current: Top of Australian conference, fourth overall.
Run-in: The side has to head to South Africa and then Argentina and will finish against the Chiefs. Not the easiest.
Result: Will most probably benefit from a playoff system not even the OJ Simpson defence team would put on the stand.
Chiefs, 37pts
Wildcard
Run-in: Off to Fiji to play the Crusaders and then also has tough games against the Blues and Hurricanes, both away from home.
Result: Could slip a place or two. Will be looking over its shoulder from those who are close in behind.
Hurricanes, 33pts
Wildcard
Run-in: The Hurricanes have looked good over the past few weeks but this was because they have played no-one of note. Some tough examinations coming up, including the Crusaders twice.
Result: The side looks to be coming into some good form but it will be tough for it to go through unbeaten. But may be the top dog in this neck of the woods.
Highlanders, 28pts
Wildcard
Run-in: The Highlanders had a horror draw to start — playing five derbies in the first seven games — but is now benefiting from it with some games against lower-ranked teams. A game against the Crusaders in Christchurch is going to be a tough one.
Result: If the side can get results from its other five matches and the cards fall its way in other games, it could surge up the table. But that is a big "could".
Sharks, 28pts
Wildcard
Run-in: Benefits immensely by not having to play any of the New Zealand sides. Looks like it will enjoy a smooth run into the playoffs with games against the likes of the Kings, Sunwolves and Bulls.
Result: Will not catch the Lions but should comfortably get into the playoffs. Under the playoff system, three teams from the African group have to make the playoffs.
Blues, 22pts
Current: Ninth
Run-in: Again, it is not easy. As they are on the outside looking in, the Blues need to keep winning and are two wins at least out of the playoffs. Cannot really afford another loss.
Result: Can anyone see the Blues beating the Chiefs? Maybe a bridge too far but not totally out of the running.
Jaguares, 20pts
Current: 10th
Run-in: Will have their eye on the Sharks and the loss to them last week may have decided their fate. Have two winnable games in Australia to finish.
Result: Could be a chance and the side just needs to maintain its discipline. Relying on other results which does not help.
Waratahs, 13pts
Current: 13th
Run-in: Such is the woe of the Australian conference that the mighty Waratahs, with three wins, are still a genuine chance to make the playoffs. Hard to believe, really.
Result: You keep wondering when the Waratahs team with all its supposed class will appear. After the Blues tomorrow night, it still has to play the Chiefs and Highlanders. Unlikely.