Quarterfinals confirmed
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After 18 Rounds and 120 matches of the regular season the quarterfinalists for the 2019 tournament have been confirmed.
After a very competitive season, the configuration of the quarterfinals was only determined after the very last match of the season, when the Bulls beat the Lions to earn a bonus point win in Pretoria.
The four quarterfinal hosts: The three conference Winners - ranked one to three based on total tournament points; and the best wildcard team (based on total tournament points and regardless of conference) ranked four.
The Crusaders finished the regular season as New Zealand conference winners for the third year in a row, and the highest ranked team in the tournament, finishing on 58 points after 11 wins.
The Jaguares won the South African conference for the first time finishing with 11 wins and 51 points.
In the Australian conference, the Brumbies finished top with 10 wins and 48 points.
The last quarterfinal host spot is taken by the Hurricanes who finished second in New Zealand conference with 53 points.
The four away quarterfinalists: The four next best wildcard teams (based on total tournament points and regardless of conference) ranked 5 to 8.
Therefore the four teams earning quarterfinal places and ranking places five to eight are: Bulls 41 points (South African conference); Sharks 37 points (South African conference); Chiefs 36 points (New Zealand conference); and Highlanders 36 points (New Zealand conference).
The quarterfinalists and their rankings are:
1. Crusaders - New Zealand conference Winners
2. Jaguares - South African conference Winners
3. Brumbies - Australian conference Winners
4. Hurricanes
5. Bulls
6. Sharks
7. Chiefs
8. Highlanders
Super Rugby quarterfinal Draw
Quarterfinal One: Crusaders [1] versus Highlanders [8]
Quarterfinal Two: Hurricanes [4] versus Bulls [5]
Quarterfinal Three: Jaguares [2] versus Chiefs [7]
Quarterfinal Four: Brumbies [3] versus Sharks [6]
Quarterfinal schedule (all times local)
Friday, June 21: Crusaders v Highlanders, Christchurch Stadium Christchurch @ 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Friday, June 21: Jaguares v Chiefs, Jose Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires @ 19.05 (22.05 GMT; 10.05, Saturday, June 22 NZ time)
Saturday, June 22: Hurricanes v Bulls, Westpac Stadium, Wellington @ 19.35 (09.35 SA time; 07.35 GMT)
Saturday, June 22: Brumbies v Sharks, GIO Stadium, Canberra @ 20.05 (12.05 SA time; 10.05 GMT)
Semifinal Draw:
Pre-determined draw as follows (highest ranked team to host):
Semifinal One: Winner Quarterfinal One v Winner Quarterfinal Two
Semifinal Two: Winner Quarterfinal Three v Winner Quarterfinal Four
Final Draw:
(highest ranked team to host):
Final: Winner Semifinal One v Winner Semifinal Two