Bulls charge for the finish

As the dust briefly settles on Super rugby for a three-week Test recess, the Bulls have emerged as genuine title contenders, while the Cheetahs are possible play-off candidates in an otherwise disappointing season for South African teams.

Last year's semifinalists, the Sharks and the Stormers, were pre-tournament favourites from a local viewpoint, but have stuttered all season as injuries ravaged both squads and they are now just making up the numbers.

For two franchises with deep reserves of talent, it is a poor return. But Super rugby is not a sentimental competition and small margins ruthlessly define winning and losing.

The Stormers have lost five matches by six points or less in spite of their injuries. If two of those five had resulted in wins they would be in the play-off race.

Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is as simple as the bounce of a ball or a ruling by a referee.

The Southern Kings' competitiveness has been a welcome surprise and the Cheetahs' emergence as genuine play-off contenders has broken the three-way hegemony of the Bulls, Stormers and Sharks from South Africa.

But the Bulls have set the standard, and, barring a dramatic collapse in their final three matches of the campaign, should deservedly run away with the conference title and possibly top spot on the overall standings as well.

They're currently in second, two points behind defending champions, the Chiefs. But the New Zealanders have three tough home derbies to navigate, including away matches against the Crusaders and Blues and a home encounter against the Hurricanes.

If the Bulls secure a home semi-final with the guarantee of a home final should they progress, it's hard to see any other side wining Super rugby.

But if they finish second on the overall standings, their route to a fourth title becomes difficult because it would almost certainly require a trip to Australia or New Zealand for the final.

The Bulls have home games against the Kings and Sharks and an away match against the Stormers on the final weekend of pool play remaining.

The Pretoria team are good enough and are carrying enough form to win both home games, but the Newlands fixture could stand between them and the high road to the title.

The Stormers in front of a home crowd, against the old enemy, won't be charitable even if their own play-off aspirations have disappeared.