Super Rugby predictions Round 17

The 2019 Super Rugby season is heading for the knockout stages. We say this every week, but things are tight. Two rounds remain and the table could still get a shuffle.

From a South African perspective, it's looking likely that the Stormers will be the team to miss out on the knockout stages. But with just five points between them and the second-placed Lions, that might still change if they can manage a big win over the Sunwolves in this weekend's Super Rugby fixtures.

The Sunwolves, though, have nothing to lose. Not only are they out of the running for a playoff spot, but they're also being booted out of Super Rugby. That might galvanise the side to send a message. Or it might mean that the players take it easy ahead of this year's World Cup.

In the Australian conference, the Waratahs remain in with an outside chance, but the tussle for top spot is between the Brumbies and the Rebels.

The Crusaders look set to win the New Zealand conference, but you already knew that, didn't you? The Hurricanes are likely to be the other side to make it through.

Here's how the QFs shaped up before Round 17 kicked off.

Super Rugby 2019: Quarterfinal predictions

• Crusaders vs Sharks
• Hurricanes vs Lions
• Jaguares vs Bulls
• Brumbies vs Rebels

As is the case every week, R365 is here to help you make those Super Rugby predictions for the weekend ahead. We use an algorithm from one of New Zealand’s leading statisticians – but you use these predictions at your own risk.

The Round 17 Super Rugby fixtures features some seriously tight predictions - it seems like it's getting tighter every weekend.

As we’ve seen with this season’s fixtures, though, nothing is certain. The only thing you can expect for sure is the unexpected.

Here’s how things shape up for the weekend ahead. Don’t forget to check back for our Super Rugby previews and keep an eye on the Super Rugby results and Super Rugby log to see how the quarterfinals for this year are shaping up.

Super Rugby Predictions: Round 17

Highlanders v Bulls

Prediction: Highlanders

Margin: Eight

Reds v Blues

Prediction: Blues

Margin: Two

Crusaders v Rebels

Prediction: Crusaders

Margin: 21

Waratahs v Brumbies

Prediction: Waratahs

Margin: Two

Lions v Hurricanes

Prediction: Hurricanes

Margin: Two

Stormers v Sunwolves

Prediction: Stormers

Margin: 23

Jaguares v Sharks

Prediction: Jaguares

Margin: Seven