The Crusaders and the Highlanders won titles in 1999 and 2015, respectively, after finishing the regular season in fourth place.
The Reds and Waratahs both won their titles, in 2011 and 2014, without having to face any New Zealand sides away from home in the finals series. Similarly, the Brumbies did not leave home for the finals during their two title runs in 2001 and 2004.
Australian Super Rugby teams must go where they have never been before, beating a New Zealand side in finals away.Credit: Getty Images
The Reds are guaranteed a finals slot despite losing to the Hurricanes in Brisbane last Friday, with their highest potential finish being fourth place, meaning they face an away fixture for their qualifying final.
To qualify for the last remaining spot in the finals, the Waratahs must get their second win in 97 years against the Blues at Eden Park and then hope that the Hurricanes defeat Moana Pasifika in Wellington.
If NSW clinch sixth spot on the ladder, they would then take a daunting trip to face either the Crusaders or the Chiefs in New Zealand in the qualifying final.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has given tighthead prop Taniela Tupou a second successive start, despite being yellow-carded for a clumsy trip on Force centre Hamish Stewart last Saturday in Perth.
Waratahs and Wallabies legend Matt Burke described the act as “a brain explosion” on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
Loading
Jack Bowen is picked to start at five-eighth after an impressive cameo off the bench with halfback Teddy Wilson against the Force.
Wallabies Langi Gleeson and Rob Leota could be playing their final game for the Waratahs, with Tupou’s future still shrouded in mystery amid reported interest from Irish clubs and France’s Section Paloise.
Watch all the action from the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match live and on demand.
