It’s back, and as confusing as ever
Remember Super Rugby? Good. Because the Sanzaar competition resumes normal service this weekend, and with just three rounds remaining until the playoffs some coaches will be sweating bucketloads.
Apart from the Crusaders, who have the bye and won’t have to stray far from their cots in Christchurch, it will be all go for the other 14 teams when the factory whistle blows.
Six sides will have a trot in exotic destinations such as Suva, Singapore and Buenos Aires. There’s no need for any smart alecs to start knocking Canberra, where the Brumbies host the Hurricanes on Saturday night, either. For starters the war museum in the Aussie capital city is a beaut for those interested interested in history. Things to see, things to do.
Not that any coaches want the players trotting around all the tourist spots. At a time where every competition point counts, they want their men plugged into the job ahead.
1. Can the Hurricanes overtake the Crusaders?
It’s unlikely. The Crusaders lead the overall competition on 54 points, with the Hurricanes (45) and Lions and Highlanders (both 40) at the head of the chasing pack.
The Hurricanes’ chances of overtaking the inform Crusaders, and therefore securing the minor premiership to guarantee home place during the finals, seem remote. To do so the Canes must collect maximum points against the Brumbies, Blues and Chiefs. They also have to hope the Crusaders don’t collect more than five points in their remaining fixtures against the Highlanders and Blues in Christchurch.
Given the Crusaders’ record at home, they have not lost in the Garden City since July 26 2016, you can sense where the smart money is being plonked.
2. How many New Zealand teams could potentially host a quarterfinal on July 21?
Two. But the Blues are no chance – obviously. If the Crusaders top the NZ conference it leaves the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders to tussle for the fourth spot and the privilege of staying at home for the first round of the sudden death phase. For that to happen the Chiefs and Highlanders need to finish strongly, while also hoping the Hurricanes crumble in their remaining three games.
3. What about the other conferences?
It’s wide open for both of them. The Waratahs (35) are one point ahead of the Rebels in the Australian conference. Those sides meet in Melbourne this weekend. The Lions (40) are positioned best in the South African section, but could be overtaken by the Jaguares (34).
4. Need a reminder of how the playoff system works?
No, don’t laugh. Some of us are still confused about how this loopy format got approved by Sanzaar, and are confident we aren’t too lonely on that front.
Here goes: the top teams from the three conferences will host a quarterfinal. The next five qualifiers, called wild cards, will be ranked on points regardless of which conference they are from. The fourth-placed team is rewarded with a quarterfinal. On current standings the playoffs draw would look like this: Crusaders v Rebels, Lions v Jaguares, Waratahs v Chiefs, Hurricanes v Highlanders.
5. My husband will only let me watch one game this weekend, because he wants to watch reruns of David Seymour making a fool of himself on DWTS. Any recommendations?
Try the Highlanders v Chiefs game in Suva on Saturday night. It should be a pearler. Kickoff is 7.35pm. If you have another 80 to spare on Sunday morning, try the Jaguares v Stormers game. Kickoff is 7.40am.