How the Super Rugby playoffs will take shape

The Sharks clinched last place in the quarter-finals at Super Rugby after defeating the Jaguares 20-10 on Saturday, setting an unenviable trip for the eight-time playoff champions.

The Sharks got the win they needed home rain in Durban, with a first-half try by hooker Akker van der Merwe and a second-half score by wing Kobus van Wyk seeing them in the quarterfinals in the last game of the regular season.

The Jaguares, who had already qualified for the first round of KO, scored a late try through Sebastian Cancelliere to close the gap, but the defeat did not go away. had no effect on their playoff spot.

Defending champions Crosaders of Christchurch finished At the top of the standings, the regular season ended by beating the 54-17 Blues. They will receive the lowest quarter-finalists, the Sharks.

The Crusaders have lost only twice in 16 games this season, both against the New Zealand team, and they have won every home game.

want to get ahead of ourselves, "said Sharks captain Ruan Botha," It's going to be a tough game in Christchurch. "

With their win in the final round, the Sharks have beat the Melbourne Rebels out of the playoffs after the Rebels lost their last game against the Highlanders Dunedin Highlanders jumped 17-3 in the first half and 34-22 in second place to beat Melbourne 43- 37.

Reece Hodge, Melbourne semifinal, scored three tries among the 27 rebels, but that was not the case, it was enough for his team to win to earn a spot in the quarter-finals. the first time.

Behind the Crusaders, the Johannesburg Lions finished second overall with a score of 38-12, six Springboks Ruan Combrinck (twice), Malcolm Marx, Courtnall Skosan and Aphiwe Dyantyi crossed each other. for the Lions, who also imposed a melee penalty through their dominant group of attackers

. The Lions, who lost in the last two finals, will welcome the Jaguares for a place in the last four. The other quarterfinal clashes are: the New South Wales Waratahs against the Highlanders, and an all-New Zealand battle between the Wellington Hurricanes and the Hamilton Chiefs.

The rebels were the biggest losers in the quarterfinals. last day of the regular season. They seemed to have the game against the Highlanders in custody after a quick start to the match. But the Highlanders showed a team spirit and opened a 43-34 lead before a penalty kick from Jack Debreczini.

Waisake Naholo, the Highlanders' forward, attacked Jack Maddocks after the last mermaid. The victory of the rebels

winger George Bridge scored three tries to bring his total to 14, the Crusaders having surpassed the 50 mark for the Auckland Blues

Bridge joins the Ben Lam Hurricanes and the Waratahs. Taqele Naiyaravoro as main tryscorer of the regular season.

The Crusaders carried their winning streak to 12 games.

Center Jack Goodhue scored two tries and others went to Seta Tamanivalu, Sam Whitelock and Bryn Hall for the Crusaders.

Winger Melani Nanai scored a brace for the Blues, who left three seasons without a win over a New Zealand rival

The ACT Brumbies beat the Waratahs 40-31, although the Waratahs have already won their quarterfinals at home by finishing first in the Australian conference.