WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The three Australian teams that have reached the last eight in Super Rugby Pacific all have challenging matches in the first round of the playoffs.
After 14 years, the Melbourne Rebels face a final reckoning in the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The three Australian teams that have reached the last eight in Super Rugby Pacific all have challenging matches in the first round of the playoffs.
The Queensland Reds will play the Hamilton-based Chiefs on Friday while the Melbourne Rebels will play the top-ranked Hurricanes and the ACT Brumbies take on the Dunedin-based Highlanders on Saturday. Only the Brumbies will start as favorites on the basis of seedings at the end of the regular season.
The fourth quarterfinal sees the Auckland-based Blues host the Fijian Drua, also on Saturday.
But no team in the last eight faces a more significant match than the Rebels - every match could be their last in their team history. The Rebels' license to play in Super Rugby will not be extended beyond this season due to financial difficulties and when the Rebels lose in the playoffs - or win the title - the club will be dissolved.