The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are heating up, with just four rounds left to determine the season's champions. With a host of derbies and crucial matches on the horizon, the race to the finals is far from over. Here's a breakdown of the remaining permutations for each team, with a focus on the top contenders and those fighting for their playoff lives.
The Top Contenders
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are on a mission to secure the minor premiership and the top spot. With three away games in their last four matches, they must embrace the challenges of road life. The match against the Blues, a team they dominated in April, will be a key test. The Hurricanes need to go perfect on the road to claim top spot, and this game could be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
Blues
The Blues, currently in second place, have a brutal three-week finish ahead of them. They start with a crucial win against the Crusaders in Christchurch, a team they have faced before. However, their aspirations of the top spot are complicated by the fact that they've already played one extra game this season. The Blues will relish the opportunity to knock off the Hurricanes at home, potentially setting up a minor premiership decider against the Chiefs.
Chiefs
The Chiefs are in a unique position, capable of claiming the minor premiership with maximum points and a Hurricanes defeat. However, they could also find themselves fighting for a home final. Their tough away trip to Queensland and a Highlanders team fighting for their finals hopes will be a challenge. The Chiefs need to navigate these obstacles and hope the Blues can do the same against the Hurricanes to secure their top spot ambitions.
Home Final Hopes and Finals Survival
Queensland Reds
The Queensland Reds are in a fascinating position, with the potential to capitalize on the chaos at the top. They could be the team that pulls off an upset or two, but they also risk being drawn into the finals logjam if they can't take down the Chiefs and/or the Force in the next fortnight.
Crusaders
The Crusaders have a challenging road ahead, with just three home games to finish the year. They've already faced the Hurricanes and need at least one win to secure their spot in the finals. A tough road home awaits, and failure to perform could see them miss out on the playoffs.
ACT Brumbies
The Brumbies are currently on a slide but have the best run-home of the top six teams. They'll face the Force, Waratahs, and Moana Pasifika, with the Force being a tough opponent. The Brumbies need to start performing if they want to make a dent in the finals, but their comfortable favorites status against the Waratahs and Moana Pasifika gives them a fighting chance.
Fighting for Finals
Fijian Drua
The Drua kept their playoff hopes alive with a clutch win over the Highlanders, securing a tie-breaker advantage. However, their lack of bonus points this year could be a concern. They need at least one away win, with tough matches against the Force and Reds, and will hope that teams above and around them take each other out.
NSW Waratahs
The Waratahs have an extra game in hand, giving them a chance to turn around their season. The next fortnight will be crucial, with matches against the Highlanders and the Drua. They need a win over either the Brumbies or Drua and will hope the Crusaders don't pull off any upsets.
Highlanders
The Highlanders face an uphill battle, with two of the top teams remaining in their schedule. Their match against the Waratahs is a must-win, and they need a big victory to turn around their points difference. The Highlanders have already faced the Crusaders and struggled against their Kiwi rivals since.
Western Force
The Force are already in finals mode, thriving under pressure. They've been one of the form teams, with three wins from their last four matches. The simple math is to keep winning, and the rest will follow. The Force have a favorable run-home, with matches against the Brumbies, Reds, Drua, and Waratahs.
Out of Contention
Moana Pasifika
Moana Pasifika's tough season has continued, with another defeat. They started strong with an upset win over the Drua but have struggled since. Their tough run-home includes matches against the Hurricanes, Reds, and Brumbies, making it a challenging path to recovery.
