So here's the table, with 2 games left to play. This shows wins, total points, and for and against differential (which decides order if teams end up on same points). Teams Left To Play shows the games left in order - with the games in bold being home games for the team.

I've split the table into four this time around. First section is the teams who are ''almost' assured of a semi-final spot - Crusaders only. The next section are the teams that are in a real dog-fight for the last available spot! (Blues, Sharks, Bulls, Chiefs, Brumbies, Force and Highlanders). The Hurricanes are in the group of "can on paper make 4th", but that is given they win with maximum points - and all above them get no points¹. And the last group are those that are already out of semi-final contention (Stormers, Lions and Cheetahs added to that group this week).

So same deal as last time: Each home games is worth a point, plus those playing teams in the top four (at the moment the Crusaders, Blues, Sharks and Bulls (added) – Chiefs dropped out on points differential) should be a disadvantage (less 1 point) and playing teams in the bottom four (at the moment Lions (added) Cheetahs, Waratahs and the Reds – Stormers moved out) should be an advantage (plus 1 point).

Key Games Left - This Week

• Hurricanes (at home) to the Highlanders. Loser of this drops out of contention for 4th.
• Brumbies (at home) to the Crusaders. Brumbies need to win otherwise Bulls and Chiefs (if they win) will get the jump on 4th spot.
• Bulls (at home) to the Blues. Bulls need to win otherwise Brumbies and Chiefs (if they win) will get the jump on 4th spot.
• This gives the Chiefs a great opportunity this weekend. Beat the Waratahs and have the Brumbies fall to the Crusaders and the Bulls fall to the Blues and they'll find themselves out in 4th position alone.

Key Games Left - Next Week

• Crusaders (at home) to the Chiefs. Chiefs will need points out of this game. This is their quarterfinal game.
• Force (at home) to the Blues. Blues may need points from this game to get a home semi, if they lose this week against the Bulls

Predictions

• Crusaders to win this weekend - wrap up home semi and final. In the process eliminate the Brumbies.
• Blues and Sharks to battle out for 2nd (and home semi), These two are likely semi final opposition. If the Blues win this weekend it will be in NZ, otherwise in SA.
• Chiefs to end up in 4th alone, with one round to go. Will need bonus point(s) against the Crusaders in the last week to retain their 4th spot.

¹For those who don't think the Hurricanes still have a chance - they do. They need to beat both Highlanders and Waratahs - with bonus points - that gives them 33 - and 4th place. So as long as the Bulls lose both (to the Blues and the Reds with no bonus points, leaving them on 32), the Chiefs lose both (to the Waratahs and the Crusaders with no bonus points, leaving them on 32), the Brumbies lose both (to the Crusaders and the Highlanders with no bonus points leaving them on 31) the Force only win one (to either the Cheetahs or Blues with no bonus points, leaving them on 31) and the Highlanders beat the Brumbies (leaving them on 31) - then they will qualify 4th. I said it was possible - not likely! Most likely though is that even if they get maximum points this week against the Highlanders other results will mean the Hurricanes join the other group of 5 already just making up numbers.