The teams still in the running for these spots are the Crusaders, Sharks, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Brumbies, Force and Chiefs. Technically, the Blues have a chance but require a miracle performance against the Chiefs to qualify.
It will be down to you to decide which of these teams are most likely to progress but if the bookies are anything to go by then our teams ranked 3-6 will be: Sharks, Brumbies, Highlanders, Chiefs.
These four teams could be your best source of points for the rest of the season and are where my focus lies in this week's recommendations.
First up, the Sharks play the Stormers on Sunday morning in what, on paper, is the worst possible fantasy matchup to exploit. These teams are the two hardest sides to score fantasy points against and only the Bulls score less than them on average.
Personally I'll be avoiding Sharks players but, if I have to go there, their best options are halfback Cobus Reinach ($6,990,000), back rower Marcell Coetzee ($4,100,000) and winger Lwazi Mvovo ($9,170,000).
The Brumbies face the Force tonight to decide which of those teams will progress and give us some great options to exploit. Lock Sam Carter ($5,350,000) is an elite option, I like Scott Sio's ($4,170,000) matchup this week, Jarrad Butler ($3,580,000) is a great value play in the back row and Nick White ($6,480,000) is a dependable halfback pickup. Lock Scott Fardy ($4,730,000) is also a sneaky play as he'll line up in the back row.
Out of the Highlanders and Chiefs sides, the latter has the better matchup this weekend and, arguably, more of a chance to keep progressing in the tournament.
The Chiefs offer up players aplenty - Liam Messam ($6,720,000), Brodie Retallick ($5,440,000), Liam Squire ($5,030,000), Tawera Kerr-Barlow ($6,950,000), Aaron Cruden ($9,160,000) and Gareth Anscombe ($9,070,000) are all great plays this weekend.
The Highlanders have a tough matchup with a stingy Crusaders side whose only weakness seems to be in giving up big games to locks and backs. Given that, Joe Wheeler ($3,710,000) and Malakai Fekitoa ($7,870,000) are your best plays from the Southern men. Ben Smith will miss the clash after failing to recover from an infection in his leg.
Tune in to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Radio Sport every Thursday evening from 6:20pm to hear Dr Stats give his full round preview.
Top pickup:
Scott Sio, Brumbies
Value pickup:
Jarrad Butler, Brumbies
On the bench:
Israel Folau, Waratahs
Richie McCaw, Crusaders
Luke Braid, Blues
Richie McCaw, Crusaders
Tony Woodcock, Blues
Charlie Ngatai, Chiefs
Ben Smith, Highlanders
Hugh McMeniman, Force
Scott Higginbotham, Rebels
