Matches between the Hurricanes and Highlanders in New Zealand and the Stormers and Lions in South Africa may be the most critical in the 17th round of Super Rugby as nine teams vie for six playoffs spots this weekend.
The Wellington-based Hurricanes have been the runaway leaders of the tournament for most of the season but after last weekend's 35-18 loss to the Crusaders are only nine points clear of the Highlanders in the New Zealand conference and can still be overtaken in first place.
The Cape Town-based Stormers lead the South African conference by three points from the Johannesburg-based Lions, who are currently in seventh place, two points outside the top six.
The New South Wales Waratahs and ACT Brumbies are tied on 42 points in Australia.
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