Super 15 Rugby

In 2011 the Super 14 became the Super 15 with the Melbourne Rebels joining the series. It also meant a change to the format.

Instead of the previous 13 games there are now 16 games in the "conferences, but 12 of each teams' games are played in their own country. The Super 15 teams are - the 5 Aussie teams (Queensland Reds, New South Wales Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, Western Australia Force and Melbourne Rebels), the 5 Kiwi teams (the Auckland Blues, Waikato Chiefs, Wellington Hurricanes, Canterbury Crusaders, and Otago Highlanders) and the 5 South African teams (Cheetahs, Stormers, Sharks, Lions, Bulls).

The top team from each conference plus the next 3 highest ranked teams (based on points) go to the 3 weeks of finals.

In week 1 of the finals (24/25 June), the 3rd ranked played the 6th and the 4th ranked played the 5th (eliminations). In week 2 (1/2 May) the first ranked played the lowest ranked and the second ranked played the highest placed winner The final out of all that was in week 3 on Saturday 9 July 2011.

The Crusaders met the Reds in the final. Unfortunately, after a tough season, where the Crusaders had to travel to every game because of earthquake damage to AMI Stadium in Christchurch, they lost to the Reds. But a great effort anyhow and congratulations to the Reds.

It seems that this format really puts the pressure on to be one of the top 2 ranked teams going in to the finals. Hopefully it has provided you with great exciting rugby and will give you more in the future.

To get ready for the Super 15 in 2012, start supporting your favourite team by purchasing their Super 15 rugby gear here!!!

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