But while finishing second has meant only a 25 per cent chance of winning the title, it comes with a 50 per cent chance of making the final. With one round to go, players and coaches will be labouring the importance of taking home advantage into the Super Rugby playoffs. Finishing first in the round robin, or conference-phase as it has become, brings a 65 per cent chance of winning the competition. Taking that top ranking gives teams an 80 per cent chance of making the final. In the 20 years of Super Rugby, the team who have finished with the No 1 ranking have gone on to be champions 13 times.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 09, 2016 16:52 UTC