Super 15 playoffs: What happens next

Seven teams are playing for six spots in the Super 15 playoffs. Photo / Getty Images

Seven teams will fight over six playoff spots in the final round of the Super 15. The playoff permutations could still see a New Zealand team get the week off.

1 - Reds 62 points
v Chiefs, Hamilton
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 2nd
A win would guarantee top spot and home advantage as long as they remain in the playoffs. A bonus-point loss would put them on 63 points, which the Stormers could equal if they beat the Cheetahs and secure a bonus point in Bloemfontein. The Stormers would then pass the Reds as they have a superior points differential.

2 - Stormers 58 points
v Cheetahs, Bloemfontein
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 5th
Only a freakishly high-scoring win for the Bulls combined with a shocking loss for the Stormers could put them out of first-place in the South Africa conference, which would guarantee them a home elimination match at worst. A win guarantees them a week off and a home semifinal, but a loss could see either the Crusaders or Blues tip them out of the top two. They have the advantage of knowing all the permutations by the time they kick off on Sunday morning.


3 - Crusaders 57 points
v Hurricanes, Wellington
Best possible finish: 2nd
Worst possible finish: 6th
A win guarantees them home advantage for first-round of the playoffs, while a win combined with a Stormers loss would give them a rest for the first week. A loss would almost certainly mean they will travel every week they remain in the playoffs, something they are used to doing anyway.


4 - Blues 56 points
v Highlanders, Auckland
Best possible finish: 2nd
Worst possible finish: 7th
A win over the Highlanders would guarantee a home elimination match at the worst. They would advance up the table if they win and either or both of the Crusaders and Stormers lost. There would be a stewards inquiry if they missed out on the playoffs. That unlikely scenario would unfold only if they lost without a bonus point, the Waratahs won and the Bulls and Sharks played out an at least four-tries-each draw.

5 - Bulls 53 points
v Sharks, Pretoria
Best possible finish: 3rd
Worst possible finish: 7th
In all likelihood, they are playing for second in the South Africa conference, though a big win, big Stormers' loss combination could get them into third. If the Bulls lose and the Waratahs win, they will miss the playoffs.

6 - Sharks 53 points
v Bulls, Pretoria
Best possible finish: 4th
Worst possible finish: 7th
Two wins shy of the Stormers, they cannot overtake the Cape men even if they win by stacks and the Stormers lose by a heap. Other than that they face the same scenario as the Bulls. They can pass the Crusaders and Blues if they win and the New Zealand teams lose.

7 - Waratahs 52 points
v Brumbies, Sydney
Best possible finish: 4th
Worst possible finish: 7th
While they're outside staring in at present, their task is relatively unambiguous. With the Bulls and Sharks facing each other, win and they're in. The best they can hope for is a home elimination match, but that is unlikely so they really just have to concentrate on beating the Brumbies, then get ready to travel.