Now is Not the time for Panic

We're approaching closing time for the round-robin phase of Super Rugby and the time is nigh to grab that last brandy you so desperately need and finally lower those standards as the challenge for play-off spots really heats up. Only the South African conference looks sewn up with the remaining two tighter than a Scotsman at bill time. This coming weekend is the last before we head into the June break and with three rounds remaining after the resumption of Super Rugby, this round 16 will prove pivotal for teams looking to head into the post-international window without having too big a mountain to climb.

The Sharks, barring a Liverpool-style meltdown, have the South African conference in the bank and will, with a win at home this weekend against the Stormers, take a lead of at least 10 points into the final two fixtures. Despite the Stormers great run of form, Jake White will be confident that no matter how close the Stormers get to victory, Michael Rhodes will punch someone at the most in/opportune time to kill off any sort of hope of an upset. The Bulls present the only challenge to the Sharks' position at the top of the pile but will realistically be hoping for a big push to secure a playoff spot. Victor and co. have a very winnable fixture at Ellis Park against the Lions and will look to topple Warren Whitely's men who are probably just desperate for this season to end with some dignity remaining intact. The Cheetahs have a bye but the only impact that will have on the log is that their points difference won’t plummet by another 30 plus points. Naka Drostke's charges make Jannie Du Plessis look impregnable on defence and Heyneke Meyer will be hoping Willie Le Roux hasn't started what could be a habit for providing assists for his opposition. That tap-back for Tagicakibau was a true clustercuss.

The New Zealand conference is up for grabs as only the Blues look out of contention. No one side has been able to maintain a consistent run of form to pull ahead and all seem hell-bent on taking the race for number one spot to the death. The Crusaders (with their fighting Uruk-Hai Nemani Nadolo) and Hurricanes (with their own version in the form of Julian Savea) are the form teams but the Highlanders and Chiefs have the quality to nip in a few important wins. Let's not forget that the Chiefs have won the two previous competitions and with Aaron Cruden back they are not to be discounted. Injuries have proved key in this year's competition and if the 'Canes can keep their players fit it will be a big surprise if they don’t keep the momentum going and at least secure a play-off berth.

It's the battle of the big hair in Australia and despite not boasting any big-name crops coming into the comp, the Waratahs have stepped up with the flowing Greek-style locks of Michael Hooper and Rob Horne proving too much for old-school home fitness video style Nick Cummins of the Force and even the much acclaimed 80s pornstar Henry Speight of the Brumbies. The boys from Sydney have been in fine nick of late and with Issy Folau and Kurtley playing as they are, anything but top spot looks unlikely. The 'Tahs don't have the easiest run-in but with the even nature of Super Rugby in 2014 nor does anyone else. The Force have been a real treat in 2014 and I mean how busy are they?! They have taken on the underdog mantra of their on-field mascot the Badge to really surprise the bigger names this year. Their excellent season is amplified when compared with the Reds' dismal campaign who have stumbled and goose-stepped their way to the bottom of the combined log as at the end of round 15. James Horwill will hope his team can pick up a few wins to avoid the same come the end of the season and will look to overcome the Rebels to save a little face down under.