It all comes down to permutations

Rudolph Jacobs

The Lions would have made their calculations by now on what they need to do this weekend in order to qualify for a home Super Rugby play-off for the third straight year.

But despite retaining their three-point lead on top of the SA Conference courtesy of the Bulls’ 43-34 over the Jaguares last weekend, the final league round this weekend could still have far-reaching implications.

All local fans’ eyes would be on Ellis Park where the Lions host the Bulls and on Durban where the Sharks welcome the Jaguares. But that’s not where it ends – the Lions will also keenly watch proceedings in Sydney earlier where the Waratahs host the Brumbies.

As things stand, the Waratahs lead the Lions by two points and if they hold on to second place overall, it could mean the Lions host Kiwi opposition in the Highlanders 8pm: Belgium v France in the quarterfinals should they win the SA Conference.

But with the result in Sydney out of their hands, priority No 1 for the Lions is to beat the Bulls as they could drop to sixth or seventh which will mean they’ll have to settle for a wildcard spot if they lose and the Jaguares beat the Sharks. In that case the Lions will have to travel back Down Under for the play-offs.

But the Bulls won’t make it easy for the Lions after losing 49-35 to 8pm: England v Croatia them earlier in the competition at Loftus Versfeld. Their biggest motivation is to evade the wooden spoon, which could be going the Stormers’ way if the Bulls win.

The Sharks will be hoping the Rebels lose away to the Highlanders, an event likely to happen, which could open the door for them to sneak into the play-offs if they beat the Jaguares, who are assured of a play-off spot regardless of what happens.

Also see Page 27