Super Rugby 2019: Quarterfinalists decided – fixtures and kick-off times

More to follow…

Lukhanyo Am scored a post-hooter try to snatch a 12-9 Super Rugby final round win for the Sharks at Newlands against the Stormers on Saturday. The try ensured the Durban side earned a place in the quarterfinals.

If you missed it, you can watch Am’s effort over here, complete with isiXhosa commentary.

The Sharks joined the Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Jaguares, Chiefs, Brumbies and the Bulls in the knock-out round.

It took 18 rounds and 120 matches to reach this point. And it wasn’t until the final whistle blew in the final match of the round that the line-ups were confirmed.

2019 Super Rugby quarterfinals

9:35 Crusaders vs Highlanders
00:05 Jaguares vs Chiefs
9:35 Hurricanes vs Bulls
12:05 Brumbies vs Sharks

How the QFs are decided

It’s complicated, so we’ll leave it up to the officials from Super Rugby to explain. We quote:

The three Conference Winners – ranked one to three based on total tournament points; and the best wildcard team (based on total tournament points and regardless of Conference) ranked four.

The four away quarter-finalists: The four next best wildcard teams (based on total tournament points and regardless of Conference) ranked five to eight.

Therefore the four teams earning quarter-final places and ranking places five to eight are: Bulls 41 points (South African Conference; Sharks 37 points (South African Conference); Chiefs 36 points (New Zealand Conference); and Highlanders 36 points (New Zealand Conference).

Well, now you know.