A dramatic final round of league action awaits us as the Super 14 play-offs loom ever larger, with seven teams still competing for semifinal places.

It has become commonplace for the final week of Super Rugby to produce a series of intriguing showdowns and this time is no different.

Right down to the final game, between the Sharks and Bulls it will be all about play-off places and home ground advantage.

We start, this act of the final week of drama, with two Friday matches.

The second-placed Chiefs kick off the action when they host the fifth-placed Brumbies, with both teams desperate for a bonus-point win - the Chiefs to get home ground advantage in the semifinals and the Brumbies just to stay alive in the play-off race.

We then cross the Indian Ocean, with the Lions hosting the Waratahs in Johannesburg - the Lions playing for pride and the 'Tahs in a desperate bid to sneak into the semifinals through the back door. Like their Australian counterparts, the Brumbies, the Waratahs need some results to go their way.

The first two games on Saturday are back in Australasia.

The Blues, out of the running, face the fourth-placed Crusaders in a classic New Zealand North-South derby. The Crusaders know a win of any description will keep them in with a chance of another successful defence of a title they won for the seventh time last year.

The next game, Reds against the Hurricanes, has the same theme. The Reds are out of the running, but could do untold harm to the third-placed Hurricanes' play-off prospects.

iafrica.com previews the first half of the weekend's action...

Friday, May 15

Chiefs v Brumbies
(Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - 19.35, 07.35 GMT)

You could not have asked for a better start to a weekend of 'knock-out' action.

For the Chiefs the task is simple. Get the win, and maybe a bonus point' and then let the rest of the teams sort each other out.

They are, with the exception of the Bulls, best placed of all the front-runners.

Captain Mils Muliaina said his team will enjoy sitting back and watching the bun-fight as the other semifinal contenders scrap it out.

"Probably the best thing about it is getting your game out there, doing the best you can and then sit back and see what everyone [does]," Muliaina said.

"It is nice to be able to do that and I suppose wait for other, or hopefully wanting to wait for other results to go your way before you know you are in the semifinals or not.

"The good thing that we know is that our destiny is in our own hands. If we do it right on Friday we can sit back and hopefully make the semifinals."

Brumbies coach Andy Friend says the Brumbies are ready for this match - a must-win scenario if ever there was one.

"We've still got our destiny in our own hands, so we know what we have to do," he said.

"While bonus points are extremely valuable at this time of year, the number one focus is winning the match - otherwise you run the risk of forfeiting four competition points in the interest of chasing four tries."

However, he knows that it is not simply a case of turning up and winning.

"The Chiefs are one of ? if not the ? form side of the competition, having won eight of their past nine matches. They've got plenty of pace and flair out wide but they showed last week that they know how to grind out a win as well.

"We showed last week that our defensive systems can stand up against strong attacking sides and we need to ensure that we turn up and continue to dominate the physical contest again."

Confidence might be high in Camp Brumby after last weekend's Blues' belting, but their defence will have to be at its best to police the free-scoring Chiefs.

The Waikato-based side is the third most prolific try-scoring outfit in the competition at present with 42, half of which have been scored in their five previous home games.

That paints an ominous picture for the Brumbies, who have shipped 13 tries in their two previous trips across the Tasman Sea this season.

Recent results:
2008: Chiefs 42-28 Brumbies, Canberra
2007: Chiefs 15-21 Brumbies, Hamilton
2006: Chiefs 26-28 Brumbies, Canberra
2005: Chiefs 28-28 Brumbies, Canberra
2004: Semi Chiefs 17-32 Brumbies, Canberra

iafrica.com Prediction: The Chiefs seem to be peaking at just the right stage of the Super 14 while the Brumbies are also looking good at the business-end of the tournament. However, the Chiefs at home, should have too much firepower for the Canberra outfit and they should win by at least eight points.

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (captain), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 James McGougan, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Ben May.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Toby Lynn, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Dwayne Sweeney, 22 Sosene Anesi.

Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Clyde Rathbone, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Tyrone Smith, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Julian Salvi, 5 Peter Kimlin, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore/Huia Edmonds, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds/John Ulugia, 17 Salesi Ma'afu, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Henry Vanderglas, 20 Joshua Holmes, 21 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 22 Sanualio Afeaki.

Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

Lions v Waratahs
(Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg - 19.10, 17.10 GMT)

The Waratahs venture to the ground that was formerly known as Ellis Park bidding to win three in a row on South African soil for the first time.

More importantly, a three-peat of wins, especially if it is achieved with a try-scoring bonus point, could open up an opportunity for the 'Tahs to participate in the semifinals for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

And while the Waratahs go into the match with any number of semifinal permutations in front of them, coach Chris Hickey said little time has been spent speculating where the team will finish.

"All we can do is go out there with a focus on winning the game ? that's all we can control, and the rest will take care of itself," said Hickey.

"The two-and-a-half weeks we've had in South Africa so far have been extremely successful both on and off the field and there's a really good feeling within the camp."

While the focus is on what the Waratahs must do, Hickey is well aware that this is not going to be a walkover.

"The Lions are coming off a win, though, they're playing at Ellis Park - which is one of the most imposing stadiums in the world and we know that even though they're out of finals contention they'll be up for a real contest."

And the Lions are in no mood to hand out any freebies either.

Lions coach Eugene Eloff, who has struggled to get his team to play to their true potential this year, is determined that they end the season off on a high note.

He spoke this week of how "defence" won it for his team in a remarkable comeback (from 3-22 behind) to win against the Highlanders and how his players' bodies were "battered and bleeding".

"It showed a team that put their bodies on the line and that's all we ask ? effort." Eloff said.

He pointed out that should his team get five points against the Waratahs they will end in ninth position, and will end above the Cheetahs and Stormers.

Not a bad finish for a team that was, a few short weeks ago, languishing in 13th place.

The Waratahs have twice previously won both matches on a Super 12 tour of South Africa ? beating the Stormers and Bulls away in 2002, as well as the Cats and Sharks 12 months later.

Success against the Lions would bring a first clean sweep of the Super 14 era, with their Super 14 record in the Republic currently sitting at four wins, four losses and a draw since 2006.

Eugene Eloff's team have won three from six at home this year, but were competitive in all three losses, losing to the Bulls by seven, the Hurricanes by six and the Crusaders by 12.

Recent results:
2008: Lions 3-26 Waratahs, Sydney
2007: Lions 16-25 Waratahs, Johannesburg
2006: Lions 3-50 Waratahs, Sydney
2005: Lions 19-40 Waratahs, Johannesburg
2004: Lions 10-46 Waratahs, Sydney

iafrica.com Prediction: The Lions will be desperate to finish their season on high note and they would certainly have been boosted by last week's win over the Highlanders. However, their is a lot at stake for the Waratahs and it is unlikely that they will slip up and they should come out on top by at least nine points.

Teams:

Lions: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Dusty Noble, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Andre Pretorius (captain), 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Robert Kruger, 6 Johan van Deventer, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Lawrence Sephaka.
Replacements: 16 Hans van Dyk, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Ernst Joubert, 19 Todd Clever, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Earl Rose, 22 Walter Venter.

Waratahs: 15 Lachie Turner, 14 Peter Playford, 13 Timana Tahu, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Ben Mowen, 5 Will Caldwell, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Luke Doherty, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Sam Norton-Knight, 22 Tom Carter.

Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Touch judges: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Pro Legoete (South Africa)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)

Saturday, May 16

Blues v Crusaders
(Eden Park, Auckland - 19.35, 07.35 GMT)

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder made an interesting point this week, with his reference to the Crusaders team of 1998 - when they won the first of their seven titles.

"This season has echoes of 1998 for me," he said, when they lost three of their first four matches and bounced back to reach the play-offs. They lost three and drew one of their first five matches this year.

"Back then ['98] I was a player and we won the title in the final against the Blues after being written off by everyone.

"We're in the top four for the first time since the start of the season and now we have another big challenge in the form of the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

"Obviously we are very happy that our destiny is in our control. We know what we have to do ? beat the Blues, preferably with a four-try bonus point ? and we are in with a good chance of making the semifinals."

He admitted his team has been battling the odds since they lost to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

"Coming after a great win over the Sharks in Durban the week before, it was very disappointing, but we responded very well," Blackadder said.

"Now we have to lift it again for the Blues because they will be a very tough opponent at Eden Park.

"They have nothing to lose and have such firepower all over the park that we can't afford to switch off for a second.

"They have some class players in Rene Ranger and Joe Rokocoko, for example. And veterans like Keven Mealamu will want to finish the season on a high."

The Blues are the only team in Super Rugby to boast a positive win/loss ratio against the Crusaders.

The Auckland-based side has won eight of its 15 matches with the seven-time champions, with the two teams having shared the outcomes of the finals played at Eden Park in 1998 (won 20-13 after extra-time by the Crusaders) and 2003 (won 21-17 by the Blues).

The seven-time champs have lost in the final round in each of the last two seasons ? and each time to fellow Kiwi opposition. The Chiefs knocked off the Crusaders 30-24 at Christchurch two years ago, curtailing a competition record 26-match unbeaten home run by the Crusade in the process.

The result had wide-ranging consequences, dropping the Crusaders from first on the log back to third, and forcing them to travel for the following week's semifinal, which they subsequently lost at Pretoria.

Last year, the Crusaders were already guaranteed of the top qualifying spot, while the Highlanders had won just three matches, when the two teams faced off in Christchurch; but the Highlanders caused the upset by winning 26-14.

Recent results:
2008: Blues 22-26 Crusaders, Christchurch
2007: Blues 34-25 Crusaders, Auckland
2006: Blues 10-39 Crusaders, Christchurch
2005: Blues 19-41 Crusaders, Auckland
2004: Blues 38-29 Crusaders, Christchurch

iafrica.com Prediction: The Blues have been ravaged by injuries of late and with nothing in it for them this week, they should come out to put on an entertaining display against their old rivals. The Crusaders on the other hand will enter this match as a Test-match which could see them struggle to carve out a win but they should get it by at least five points.

Teams:

TBC

Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Touch judges: Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Jonathan White (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

Reds v Hurricanes
(Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - 19.40, 09.40 GMT)

Regardless of the outcome of other results this weekend, the Hurricanes have their destiny in their own hands as they step out onto Suncorp Stadium.

A win would not only lock up a fifth semifinal appearance in seven years under coach Colin Cooper's stewardship; it might also carry with it possible home seeding, should either the Chiefs slip up earlier, or the Bulls later, throughout the final round.

The third-placed Hurricanes will certainly fancy themselves in Brisbane, up against a Reds outfit barely recognisable from that which competed so encouragingly earlier in the competition.

So badly have injuries stretched the Reds' playing resources, just eight of their starting XV from the season opener against the Bulls in Pretoria remained in place for last week's 12-32 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Despite the long injury toll, Reds coach Phil Mooney has emphasised the importance of finishing the season well.

"It's an opportunity for the whole group to finish positively to then move forward next year," Mooney said.

"Individuals can do the same. I know there were guys who finished the season well [last year] and that gave them a heads up into national sides and obviously confidence for us moving forward."

The Hurricanes have won six of the last seven between the two teams. While the Reds won the most recent match between the two teams at Suncorp Stadium 25-16, in what was one of only two wins gained during the wooden spoon year presided over by Eddie Jones; that win at the start of the 2007 competition represents one of just nine that the Reds have had since they relocated from Ballymore to Suncorp, having lost the other 18.

Prior to their eight-point loss to the Chiefs last weekend, which Cooper blamed on poor discipline, the Hurricanes had strung together four wins on the trot, scoring 21 tries through those matches.

Recent results:
2008: Reds 18-23 Hurricanes, Wellington
2007: Reds 25-16 Hurricanes, Brisbane
2006: Reds 22-26 Hurricanes, Wellington
2005: Reds 10-24 Hurricanes, Brisbane
2004: Reds 12-29 Hurricanes, Wellington

iafrica.com Prediction: The Reds probably can't wait for this one to start, and end, so that they can put their disappointing season behind them. They have shown some promise throughout the tournament but 2009 will be a year in which they've learnt a lot. The Hurricanes should cross this final with ease and therefore beat the Reds by at least 15 points.

Teams:

Reds: 15 Mark McLinden, 14 Brando Va'aulu, 13 Charlie Fetoai, 12 Quade Cooper, 11 Rod Davies, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Poutasi Luafutu/Andrew Shaw, 6 Ezra Taylor, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Van Humphries, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Sean Hardman, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Adam Byrnes, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 Anthony Faingaa, 22 Anthony Sauer.

Hurricanes: TBC

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Touch judges: Paul Marks (Australia), Sindile Mayende (South Africa)
TMO: Steve Leszczynski (Australia)