Super Rugby returns - here's the state of play

For now...
...the quarter-finalists would be the Crusaders, Lions, Waratahs (conference leaders) and Hurricanes; Highlanders, Chiefs, Jaguares, Rebels (on points).

The remaining games for the New Zealand teams.-
Crusaders: Bye, Highlanders, Blues
Hurricanes: Brumbies, Blues, Chiefs
Highlanders: Chiefs, Crusaders, Rebels
Chiefs: Highlanders, Brumbies, Hurricanes
Blues: Reds, Hurricanes, Crusaders

Pot shots...

The Chiefs celebrate in March...their battle with the Highlanders in Suva is pivotal. Photo / Photosport

* All Blacks captain Kieran Read is targeting the Crusaders' next match against the Highlanders, in Christchurch on Friday next week, for his big match return after back surgery. Read plays for Counties Manukau this week.

* The Hurricanes, with consecutive defeats to New Zealand sides before the test break, hope to have star playmaker Beauden Barrett and fringe test forward Vaea Fifita fit after concussion problems. Other test players might be rested for the Canberra game on Saturday night and Ardie Savea (ankle) is out for weeks. Brad Shields returns to lead the side after test duty for England in South Africa, although he has been ill.

* The Chiefs are still without Brodie Retallick, and are not well placed to overhaul the Hurricanes for a home playoff spot. The Highlanders, with Liam Squire touch and go, are better placed but must travel to Suva for Saturday night's home game against the Chiefs.

* The Blues, well out of contention, seek their first home win this season against the Reds on Friday without Sonny Bill Williams (shoulder). They've also got internal issues, with revelations star wing Rieko Ioane and forward Blake Gibson clashed.

What comes next...

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson - well placed to emulate the Chiefs' Dave Rennie by winning the Super Rugby title at his first two attempts. Photo / Photosport

The Crusaders are well placed to defend their title. The Hurricanes need to rediscover their mojo, and expect the Highlanders to come flying home. But despite the obvious Kiwi dominance, the Super Rugby playoff system evens out the odds because the other two conferences get an automatic home quarterfinal.

The danger team, on form, is Argentina's Jaguares. Since a heavy loss to the Crusaders in early April, they have won six on the trot including over the Chiefs in Rotorua. But they could be jaded, because a test-strength squad has been on duty against Wales and Scotland.

The Jaguares - surging, but hit by test duty. Photo / Photosport

Many neutrals will hope the Jaguares can overhaul the Lions to win a home playoff — the Jaguares are within striking distance of the South African conference leaders and have a game in hand.

Both teams play the Sharks and Bulls, while the Jaguares also face the disappointing Stormers.

The Waratahs and Rebels — who clash in Melbourne on Friday night — are neck-and-neck in a scrap for the Aussie home playoff spot. The Waratahs have the easier run home.

For the anorak wearers...
If teams are tied, they are separated by.-
a) Most wins
b) Points difference
c) Most tries
d) Tries difference
e) Coin toss