Super Rugby Round 16 Review

A quick review with a few comments, highlights where necessary:

Try highlights:

Crusaders 23- 22 Waratahs

The Crusaders made a miraculous recovery here to sneak it, and Barnes missed a kick to win. Well worth checking out the highlights.

Brumbies 30-23 Hurricanes

This game almost cements the Brumbies as winners of the Australian conference. Only the Reds can catch them, but with two games left against the Force and the Rebels, it would be extremely unlikely if they don't win the conference. The Hurricanes playoff hopes are all but over now.

Highlanders 38-28 Blues

This loss is huge for the Blues, who are the 7th team in the log, and most likely to miss out. Games against the Sharks, a potential decider against the Cheetahs, and a tough game against the Chiefs stands in the way of them and a playoff place.

Reds 33-20 Rebels

Not a great performance by the Reds, but the main news from this game is that Higginbotham is injured, which is huge for the Wallabies. The Reds get the win, that almost definitely confirms their wildcard spot

Stormers 19-11 Kings

The only relevance this game served is to push the Kings closer to the relegation match. And to show that South African rugby with no Cheetahs is very boring.

Cheetahs 25-30 Bulls

A top of the South African table conference confirms the Bulls as South African leaders, and the bonus point for the Cheetahs could be vital given that they are in pole position to nab a dream wildcard spot.

Fantasy

It's all happening in fantasy.

After stretching the lead to over 100 points, a monster round from Garbhan Hogan puts him to within 9 points of the lead. NINE. This is going down to the wire.

Cillian Hogan recovered to be within 80 of the lead, and he is not out of it.

With unusual bye weeks coming up, it's all about managing your side. This is tense.