THE RACE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE'S TICKET TO THE SUPER RUGBY FINALS
ACT BRUMBIES (28, +26) - Rebels (home), Reds (a), Chiefs (a)
Victories overseas in the past two rounds have put the Brumbies in complete control of their destiny and in position to win the Australian conference, possibly as soon as next week. A home win over the struggling Rebels could be enough to seal top spot before the break for the June Tests and the last two rounds. The three teams with a mathematical chance of catching them all have to play New Zealand opposition next week and beating the Kiwis has been mission impossible.
NSW WARATAHS (19, -69) - Chiefs (a), Jaguares (h), Force (a)
There's no more wriggle room for the inconsistent Tahs. They must beat the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday and hope the Rebels upset the Brumbies. Poor defence and discipline continues to be a problem for a side that can pile on points but concedes far too many.
WESTERN FORCE (17, -107) - Hurricanes (h), Rebels (h), Waratahs (h)
It's impossible not to admire a franchise that has grappled with an injury crisis and threats of extinction and still competed hard almost every week. Last Friday's win over Queensland was a big morale booster after being flogged by the Highlanders. They won't catch the Brumbies but they will finish their campaign with three home games.
QUEENSLAND REDS (16, -131) - Blues (a), Brumbies (h), Highlanders (a)
Like the Tahs, the Reds have been maddeningly inconsistent and underachieved. The home loss to the Force has almost certainly ended their playoff aspirations, with a tough run home looming against the conference-leading Brumbies and two New Zealand sides. Wallabies captain and hooker Stephen Moore has been rested form Friday's game against the Blues in Samoa.
MELBOURNE REBELS (8, -292) - Brumbies (a), Force (a), Jaguares (h)
The Rebels avoided a widely-tipped thrashing by the Crusaders on Saturday but that's hardly cause for celebration. Plagued by injury woes throughout their campaign, they had influential back rower Sean McMahon hurt on Saturday, The conference wooden spoon looms and their next assignment is away to a Brumbies side hellbent on securing a win that could clinch top spot in the Australian conference.
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