Super Rugby playoffs: W... - Financial Unions

Analysis: Patrick McKendry mulls over 10 burning questions ahead of the finals as the competition prepares to celebrate a new champion.

Who has arrived at the playoffs in the best shape physically, mentally and spiritually?

The Hurricanes, presumably. They're the top seed by virtue of their demolition of the Highlanders last weekend and the failure of the Blues to hang on for a bonus point win against the Chiefs.

They are also playing with a joie de vivre and clarity not seen since their last (and only) championship triumph back in 2016.

They have a deep group of extremely hungry loose forwards and a backline led by TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett that is a constant threat.

Strangely, the Blues may possess the biggest danger, however, and if I was a Blues fan I wouldn't worry too much about their four-point, rather than five-point, win over the Chiefs which placed them second on the table.

If anything, it may be a good reminder to maintain standards until the final whistle at the business end of the competition.

Both the Hurricanes, who face the Rebels in Wellington, and the Blues, who face the Drua in Auckland, should have far too much firepower for their opponents this weekend.

As we know, teams beating the odds provide sport's most compelling drama, so will there be any shocks in the first week of the finals?

It's hard not to be drawn in by the Highlanders' ruck-run-style, and while they've been inconsistent this season, they have occasionally played with such flow and spirit that they seem almost irresistible. They play the Brumbies in Canberra in their quarter-final. It may be the closest match to call this weekend but keep an eye on the Reds' visit to the Chiefs too.

At the other end of the table, which of the four teams will be the most disappointed about not making the playoffs?

This is an easy one but I'll give you a clue. It starts with "Cru" and ends with "ders". The yearly strategic plan of the almost perennial champions is to win the competition so to fail to make the playoffs will be, or should be at least, difficult to stomach.

Does Rob Penney survive this and serve out the rest of his contract next year?

It may depend on New Zealand Rugby's appetite for throwing money down the drain. All of New Zealand's Super Rugby head coaches are employed by NZ Rugby, so it will cost a six-figure sum to pay out the final year of Penney's contract. If the results of the Crusaders' review are truly terrible, though, the franchise may insist on it. He is unlikely to want to walk away. However, the financial imperative may prevail.

Sevu Reece's workrate was perhaps even more impressive than his try tally for a poor Crusaders team. (Source: Photosport)

What specifically is the danger of letting things slide and hoping for the best?

It doesn't take long for so-called "dynasties" to collapse. Look at Manchester United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. The Crusaders failed to hold on to first-five Fergus Burke — he's now off to England — and couldn't recruit a suitable replacement this season while he was injured. Recruitment failures and hints of player unrest can quickly make a club unattractive, no matter its history.

Which of the four 'losers' might be the most satisfied about their season?

Moana Pasifika. They won four matches this season — the same as the Crusaders! — and they did it despite effectively not having a home ground. They won two matches in their inaugural season of 2022 and only one last year. Their 39-36 victory over the Drua in the super round in March was one of the best matches of the season.

What's going to happen to the competition next year following the departure of the Rebels?

After Australia Rugby pulled their funding and the plug on the battlers from Melbourne, Super Rugby Pacific will next year be an 11-team competition with the top six likely to make the playoffs.

Will that improve the competition?

Undoubtedly. Having the top eight of a 12-team comp make the finals is plainly ridiculous. Next year every regular season game will carry a little more weight. The top six playoff scenario could feature the top two seeded teams having the first week off, with the other four playing off in a preliminary semifinal for the right to face them in a semifinal proper. That would provide an added incentive for finishing as high up the table as possible.

As we head towards the All Blacks first Test of the Scott Robertson era (against England in Dunedin on July 6), which player is most deserving of a call-up?

Sevu Reece. The Crusaders wing excelled, scoring 12 tries in 13 matches despite the struggles of his team. His workrate was simply astonishing.

What about potential Test debutants?

Hurricanes loose forward Brayden Iose, 25, has a big future and so does Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah, 21.