The Crusaders are headed for the semis while the Waratahs, Sharks, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Stormers the likely contenders to scrap out the other three spots with three rounds remaining in the Super 14 regular season.
The Crusaders have clinched a semi-final spot after beating the Blues, 26-22, in Christchurch last Friday. The Waratahs need just another win from their remaining three games to secure theirs. But for at least seven teams, it will be a scrap for the other two semi-final spots with the Sharks, Chiefs, Hurricanes or Stormers most likely to get them.
The Chiefs have the toughest road though with their final three games away from home. On attack, players such as All Black wing hopeful Lelia Masaga, Stephen Donald and Sione Lauaki are in good form. But their defence was exposed in their 32-20 win over the Reds, not a good sign given they have a terrible road record.
The Hurricanes have an easier game road to the semis, playing the bottom placed Lions this weekend. They come home for the final two games to face a Force team on the ropes and the struggling Blues. The good news is All Black flanker Jerry Collins, who missed the Hurricanes 38-10 win over the Cheetahs last weekend will be back after nursing bruised ribs.
Only one point separates 3rd place Sharks and 4th place Chiefs, both on 32 points, with the Hurricanes (5th) and Stormers (6th).
The Sharks could see their season ended then they play the Crusaders in Christchurch this weekend. They then play the Chiefs in Durban.
The Stormers have two tough games at home against the Brumbies and Waratahs, followed by an easier game against countrymen the Lions.
Super 14 - Round 11 Results
Crusaders 26-22 Blues in Christchurch
Crusaders: Tries: McCaw; Paulo; Flynn (2); Cons: Brett (3);
Blues: Tries: Smith; Williams; Wulf; Cons: Evans (2); Pens: Evans;
Brumbies 28-21 Lions in Canberra
Brumbies: Tries: Gerrard; Lealiifano; Mortlock; Cons: Gerrard; Mortlock; Pens: Gerrard; Mortlock (2);
Lions: Tries: Grobbelaar; Rose (2); Cons: Rose (2);
Chiefs 32-20 Reds in Hamilton
Chiefs: Tries: Donald; Lauaki; Masaga (2); Cons: Donald (3); Pens: Donald (2);
Reds: Tries: Ioane; Turinui (2); Cons: Schifcofske; Drops: Barnes;
Waratahs 25-10 Sharks in Sydney
Waratahs: Tries: Carter; Norton-Knight; Palu (2); Cons: Beale; Pens: Tuqiri;
Sharks: Tries: Ndungane; Cons: Pienaar; Pens: Steyn;
Cheetahs 10-38 Hurricanes in Kimberley
Cheetahs: Tries: Nokwe; Cons: Barnard; Pens: Barnard;
Hurricanes: Tries: Eaton; Guildford; Jane; Nonu; So'oialo; Waldrom; Cons: Ripia; Weepu (3);
Stormers 26-16 Highlanders in Cape Town
Stormers: Tries: Brits; Liebenberg; Cons: Grant (2); Pens: Grant; Brown (3);
Highlanders: Tries: Vainikolo; Cons: Wilson; Pens: Delaney (2); Drops: Delaney;
Round 12 Draw
May 2 Crusaders - Sharks, Christchurch 7:35 PM
May 2 Reds - Blues, Brisbane 9:40 PM
May 3 Cheetahs - Highlanders, Bloemfontein 5:10 AM
May 3 Hurricanes - Lions, Wellington 7:35 PM
May 3 Force - Chiefs, Perth 9:40 PM
May 4 Bulls - Waratahs, Pretoria 1:00 AM
Bye: Stormers, Brumbies
* All dates and times are NZT.
Super 14 2008 Standings
| TEAM | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | B1 | B2 | TOTAL |
| Crusaders | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 310 | 119 | 7 | 0 | 43 |
| Waratahs | 10 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 211 | 146 | 3 | 1 | 36 |
| Sharks | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 181 | 152 | 1 | 1 | 32 |
| Chiefs | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 275 | 247 | 4 | 0 | 32 |
| Hurricanes | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 234 | 163 | 4 | 1 | 31 |
| Stormers | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 214 | 175 | 4 | 3 | 31 |
| Brumbies | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 228 | 240 | 3 | 1 | 28 |
| Blues | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 260 | 213 | 3 | 3 | 26 |
| Force | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 186 | 214 | 1 | 3 | 24 |
| Reds | 10 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 204 | 243 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| Bulls | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 220 | 297 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
| Highlanders | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 185 | 256 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| Cheetahs | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 193 | 304 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| Lions | 10 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 148 | 280 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
Try Scorers
Lelia Masaga, Chiefs 6
Fetuu Vainikolo, Highlanders 6
Andrew Ellis, Crusaders 5
Akona Ndungane, Bulls 5
Jongi Nokwe, Cheetahs 5
Ma'a Nonu, Hurricanes 5
Wycliff Palu, Waratahs 5
Stephen Donald, Chiefs 5
Point Scorers
Stephen Donald, Chiefs 120
Peter Grant, Stormers 100
Nick Evans, Blues 90
Daniel Carter, Crusaders 89
Clinton Schifcofske, Reds 71
Matt Giteau, Force 69
Mark Gerrard, Brumbies 67
