Super Rugby
The Waratahs have secured a home semi-final and have topped the Australian conference for the first time in their history after they beat the Highlanders 44-16. Six different players scored for New South Wales as they went up early and often. The Highlanders still sit in a playoff spot but it is in no way a sure thing they make it in the end. The Crusaders had the most to gain from the Highlanders loss. They lead in New Zealand by four points after beating the Blues 21-13. Nadolo Nasiganiyavi had two tries for the Crusaders. The loss all but ends the Blues chances of making the playoffs. They still technically have a chance but need things to go their way. The Sharks lead in South Africa but surprisingly fell to the Cheetahs 27-20. The Cheetahs went up 10-0 after only eight minutes and didn't look back. The Sharks still managed to clinch the top spot in South Africa.
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The main reason they were able to do so was the Bulls losing to the Stormers 16-0. Jaco Taute scored the only try of the match. The Stormers won't be making the playoffs but they have had the chance to play spoiler at the end of the season. The Hurricanes currently hold a wildcard spot. They lost to the Chiefs 24-16. The win was needed for the Chiefs as they sit just outside a spot. The Brumbies hold the last wildcard place. They had the weekend off.
The Force did all they could to make their way into the playoffs. They beat the Reds 30-20 in a must win match. Nick Cummins scored once again for the team as they look to finish off their best season in years. Neither the Lions nor the Rebels will be making the playoffs but at least for the Lions they made it a strong return to Super Rugby with a 34-17 win.
Next week features several matches with big playoff indications. The Brumbies will play the Force in a match that will probably determine a playoff spot. The Blues and Chiefs will need to beat the other to give themselves a chance. Also, the Crusaders and the Highlanders will slug it out for the top spot in New Zealand.
International
Nambia had the longest shot of qualifying directly for the World Cup among the three African teams vying for the spot on the final day of qualifying but thanks to help elsewhere and a blowout 89-10 win over Madagascar they have made it to their fifth straight World Cup. Zimbabwe and Kenya also finished with 10 points but Namibia's point differential saw them through. Kenya are the most heartbroken. They won their first two matches and held the pole position heading into the final match but a 28-10 loss to Zimbabwe ended that.
Zimbabwe will now go into the repechage where they will play Russia. The other semi-final has Uruguay playing Hong Kong. The winners of those matches will into a two-leg final.
Shute Shield
With three rounds left it looks increasingly likely no one will catch Manly at the top of the table. They beat Randwich 48-0 to claim their 14th win. Eastwood are now the number two side. They beat Sydney University 38-22 while Warringah beat Souths 50-18. Other winners include Norths over Penrith 36-14, West Harbour over Parramatta 42-41 and Gordon over Eastern Suburbs 46-22.