Scrum of the Earth /

Western Force 29-22 Brumbies

Talk about leaving it late! This season's better late than never specialists the Force came from 22-0 down, illustrating how much pride means to the Aussies. If this was evidence of how the Wallabies plan to go about things then Robbie Deans is a lucky man, although the defence might need sharpening up. Eight tries were scored in total with Perth nipper James O'Connor starring outside Matt Giteau.

Blues 19-17 Hurricanes

The Blues won the battle but the 'Canes claimed the war after holding onto fourth spot in the ladder. Hosea Gear's double wasn't enough as Nick Evans metronomic boot kept the Blues in touch. It was pleasing news for Graham Henry to see fringe players stepping up with Ma'a Nonu sparkling yet again, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu smashing through anything while youngster Anthony Boric stood out alongside his try.

Lions 13-22 Stormers

Another missed opportunity cost Rassie Erasmus' boys a semi-final spot, but they were lucky to get the win in the end after relying on Sireli Naqelevuki and Robbie Diack to seal a dramatic win. One more try, a bit more urgency and some guts following Jean De Villiers mould would've been enough but it's been a steady season all the same.

Cheetahs 20-60 Bulls

If only the Bulls started the season the way they finished. On current form, they are the best in the business, but it's a premature shower for the champions. There was only one-point in it at half-time but Bryan Habana and Akona Ndungane both touched down twice in the second half while Morne Steyn helped himself to 25 points.

Highlanders 26-14 Crusaders

Dead rubber?! No such thing when it comes to a derby and the brutes from Otago tackled as if their lives depended on it. The champions-elect were off the pace, while Craig Newby got a thoroughly deserving send-of, which also brings fresh hope for next season. Overall verdict: The kids done alright!

Reds 11-18 Waratahs

The unlikelihood of an Australian finalist all of a sudden looks realistic. Semi-final destiny was in their own hands and first-half tries for Dean Mumm and Wycliff Palu only served to raise the temperature as the midweek shenanigans and pleasantries were brought to boiling point in this old-school state derby with David Croft and Phil Waugh first to party.

Sharks 47 - 25 Chiefs

The Sharks will head to Sydney in the semi-finals after bringing down the curtain on the regular season with an all-embracing performance against the Chiefs in a highly entertaining play-off showdown. The Sharks only need to score four tries but made sure with seven five-pointers with Ryan Kankowski bagging a double.