Big bad Will Skelton turned the Waratahs' closer-than-necessary win over the Crusaders last week into a declaration of war. The champions face a tricky end to the season with two game to come in South Africa. On a level playing field, they should beat the Reds at home in the last game. But the Reds will go into that traditional clash on a more comfortable travel schedule.
Verdict: Showing life but not good enough to rank as strong playoff contenders in New Zealand and the Brumbies are breathing down their necks. We'll go out on a limb and say the Waratahs won't retain the title won in last year's outstanding final against the Crusaders.
STORMERS - 38 points
Won 9 Lost 4
Points differential + 42
Bonus points - 2
Titles - 0
To play: Cheetahs (h), Lions (h), Sharks (a)
Not much was expected of the Stormers this season so they have probably over achieved to a degree, but were undone by a surprise loss to the Cheetahs when poor goalkicking helped bring them down.
Verdict: This is as close as they will get.
CHIEFS - 44 points
Won 9 Lost 4
Points differential + 87
Bonus points - 8
Titles - 2
Last title - 2013
To play: Highlanders (a), Reds (a), Hurricanes (h)
Their true worth would be better represented on the table if they had won in Wellington, where a makeshift side was robbed of victory by a late video ref call. Players clearly thrive in this environment. Brad Weber and Hika Elliot have become excellent players, Hosea Gear came bounding back into view after weeks of being overlooked, and Ross Filipo answered an SOS in amazing style. They've lost Aaron Cruden and mystery surrounds the Sonny Bill Williams injury situation, but with Brodie Retallick due back they are primed for a big run home and have title pedigree. As an added bonus, Liam Messam has become a wily rule-pusher extraordinaire.
Verdict: Title winners - that impressive loss in Wellington sealed this prediction deal.
HIGHLANDERS - 43 points
Won 9 Lost 4
Points differential + 89
Bonus points - 7
Titles - 0
To play: Chiefs (h), Hurricanes (a), Blues (a)
The competition's darlings, at least from a parochial Kiwi point of view, although their sustained run is pipped by the Lions as the season's most unlikely "success" story. There has never been any doubt about the dangers posed by the backline. A no-name forward pack has come to the party. Hard to believe coach Jamie Joseph's career was on the line two years ago when the big names nearly brought him down.
Verdict: Difficult to see them having the overall strength to beat the Hurricanes or Chiefs, especially away from home. And yet, write them off at your peril.
BRUMBIES - 38 points
Won 7 Lost 6
Points differential + 102
Bonus points - 10
Titles - 2
Last title - 2004
To play: Bulls (h), Force (a), Crusaders (h)
Once Australia's glamour team, they are now the sleeper possibility in the title chase. Narrow losses the bane of their season of late. Have a decent chance of overhauling the Waratahs to win the Australian conference and get initial home advantage. Not built to set the world on fire, which doesn't mean they don't have an outside chance.
Verdict: Could cause problems for the big guns if they can at least start the playoffs with home advantage.
LIONS - 36 points
Won 8 Lost 6
Points differential - 27
Bonus points - 4
Titles - 0
To play: Waratahs (h), Stormers (a), bye
Tough games to come, and they finish with a bye to it's goodbye to the Lions. Still, a terrific season by their lowly standards.
Verdict: No chance.
BULLS - 35 points
Won 7 Lost 6
Points differential + 29
Bonus points - 7
Titles - 3
Last title - 2010
To play: Brumbies (a), Rebels (a), Cheetahs (h)
Stodgy recent displays in New Zealand tell the story. More a vehicle for the return of Victor Matfield than anything else.
Verdict: Very little chance.
