The Waratahs are top of the table, three points clear of the Sharks, with guaranteed Super Rugby Finals Series qualification which sees them placed as Australia’s best hope.
The Brumbies and the Force are not out of it yet.
A win to the two-time champions against the Western Australians in Canberra will give them 44-45 points, right on the threshold of what might be the lowest mark to reach the top six.
Meanwhile the Reds and Rebels play for pride.
The final facts:
- The Waratahs have claimed the Australian Conference, guaranteeing the men from NSW a top three finish. One more bonus point win and/or a slip up from the Sharks will give Michael Cheika’s men top spot at the end of the regular season.
- The Brumbies must beat the Force in their final match to be a chance, the Chiefs need to beat the Hurricanes, and the Blues would need to beat the Chiefs. While if the Reds were to also defeat the Western Australians the ACT based side would be a good chance.
- The Force need to beat the Brumbies and Reds to reach their first Super Rugby Finals Series while hope that the Blues and Hurricanes lose.
- The Reds could, just a few weeks after looking like a wooden spoon candidate, could finish as high as eighth if they win both their remaining matches.
Championship contender:
Michael Cheika has his men well poised for a formidable tilt at the title, with a squad littered with Wallabies and able to grind it down but they prefer to play a confident ball in hand game. Home rights throughout the finals if they can maintain their top position would only shorten their odds.
Coming up:
The Rebels will finish the year playing the Lions and Bulls away, a tough proposition, while the rising Reds, now with two straight wins, will fancy their chances of causing some local havoc with the Force away and Waratahs in Brisbane. The Waratahs versus Highlanders clash next weekend could be the match of the round, victory against the men from the Deep South will almost lock up top berth.
Outside chances:
The Brumbies and Force will cannibalise the conference, they are the other two hopes outside NSW and play each other which will be a blow. The fact that the men from ACT have a bye this weekend could charge them up and give them a better understanding of what they need to do.
Turnaround of the year:
The men from Perth are still in the hunt despite coming up against a rampant Blues outfit this weekend. The Reds at nib stadium looms as a must win if the Force are to create history, and with their season so far, there will be plenty of emotion willing them on to what would be their maiden final’s berth.
International hangover:
The Waratahs have benefitted with their international contingent from June, the most of any franchise, skipping no beats with class throughout the park. The Force also had a good time out of June, welcoming back six players from injury. The Brumbies have suffered further injuries, their toll is unconfirmed but over 15 players are out, as well as most of their Wallabies.
Super Rugby Finals Series possibilities:
If the Waratahs take a top two spot and have home final’s advantage, don’t be afraid to put a bet on NSW as in seven matches at home so far this season they are undefeated. The Brumbies and Force will, if they qualify, have to travel for the first weekend.