ONLY one Australian team - the NSW Waratahs - has a chance of playing in the finals as the Super 14 reaches its last round. But ironically, their chances of holding on to a semi-final berth hinge on the strength and will of another Australian team - the Queensland Reds - who they play in Brisbane on Saturday night.

A win by the 11th placed Reds could force the third place Waratahs out of the top four altogether.

It is a derby with plenty of spice, even hotter with the inclusion of former Waratahs centre Morgan Turinui - who was in the NSW sides that made the final in 2005 and semi-finals in 2006 - now playing for the Reds.

Meanwhile, for Australia's two other teams and one time semi-final contenders - the Brumbies and Force - the season ends this week with their own derby in Perth on Friday night.

Neither team will be short of motivation as they will try to use the fixture as a way of finishing on a winning note.

Furthermore, they will be wanting impress in the battle for Wallabies selection, knowing that 24 hours later the Waratahs and Reds will be pitching their own cases for inclusion.

WARATAHS

In the news: Speculation that Timana Tahu will start at outside centre against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday after a strong return off the bench against the Stormers last week. Was the absence of their bags on the flight from Cape Town to Jo-burg for the connecting trip to Sydney a deliberate ruse aimed at destabilising them?

Physio's table: Lachie Turner (head knock) is being monitored, Matt Dunning (calf) should be cleared to play.

The good: No shortage of motivation as the game is a must-win affair. If they get points, their strong defence should hold out. The experience of an almost all-Wallaby forward pack. On a dry track, their attacking backline.

The bad: Physical effects of their South African tour and the short turn around. Inexperience in the backs. Unlikely to get bonus points they will need to secure a home semi-final in a derby that is often a low scoring affair.

REDS
In the news: The farewells of Sam Cordingley (to Grenoble), David Croft (retirement), Stephen Moore (to Brumbies) and what should have been one for Chris Latham (to Japan). Rodney Blake back from one week ban.

Physio's table: Chris Latham (shoulder) will not play. In doubt are Cordingley (calf) and John Roe (shoulder). Possible returns from injury are Hugh McMeniman (ankle) and as an outside chance prop Greg Holmes.

The good: The emotion. Having tested the Crusaders and led until two yellow cards, they will know that they have it within themselves to cause an upset and ruin NSW's - and Australia's - hope of a semi-finals presence.

The bad: The emotion. Will it all get the better of the Reds as it did last week as a massive victory beckoned - only for them to receive two yellow cards (Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas) and hand the win back to the Kiwis.

BRUMBIES
In the news: The real test for new Brumbies No.10 Christian Lealiifano arrives in their final round derby against the Force in Perth where he will come up against Matt Giteau. It will be their first head-to-head.

Physio's table: Nothing to report

The good: If they get their backs to play as a collective unit and nullify Giteau, they have potential to score plenty of tries. The incentive to make a last impression in the battle for Wallabies selections is also on offer.

The bad: Major communication issues in their backline were exposed against the Bulls last weekend. If Giteau is on his game, the Brumbies won't be on theirs.

FORCE
In the news: The Force play their last game to end a season of highs and lows that at one point had them tipped to be the only Aussie team in the finals. A win against the Brumbies in Perth will repay their fans for sticking with them through thick and thin.

Physio's table: In doubt: Dave Pusey (knee). Out: Ryan Cross (broken cheekbone), Nick Cummins (broken leg), Scott Fava (ankle), Scott Staniforth (knee), Tamati Horua (knee), Pat O'Connor (knee), Junior Pelesasa (knee), James Hilgendorf (hamstring) and Tom Hockings (shoulder).

The good: Cameron Shepherd ... quickly making the Wallabies No. 15 slot his own, especially with Chris Latham out injured. If it is a tight game, he has the magic to be the match winner as his try last week showed.

The bad: Discipline up front. Penalties between two attacking teams who will almost certainly find their defences tested could make the difference. Can ill afford any yellow cards such as No. 7 David Pocock's last week.

Toby Robson of The Dominion Post writes:

HURRICANES
In the news: What's Neemia "The Rock" Tialata got cooking? The big Canes prop gets nostalgic and brings out a textbook suplex tackle against the Force after watching his DVD box-set of 2001's Wrestlemania X-Seven. Tialata is said to be still getting over The Rock's controversial loss that year to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

Doctor's table: Scott Waldrom (flu).

The good: Tim Fairbrother's strong scrummaging form will lessen the blow of losing Tialata for Friday night's match against the Blues. Willie Ripia's skilful kicking game is becoming an asset for the Canes, who played extremely well in the wet to beat the Force.

The bad: The IRB rule book that sets the recommended minimum ban for Tialata's dangerous tackle at two weeks, but verbally abusing an official at six weeks. Huh?

CRUSADERS
In the news: Dan Carter makes a heroic return to steer the ship home against the Reds with a sideline conversion and a try. Now, sign the NZRU's damn contract will you!

Physio's table: None (all available for the first time this season).

The good: A reality check from the Reds will be just what the Crusaders needed ahead of the Super 14 playoffs. Carter's confidence will be soaring after his successful return.

The bad: The Reds showed the Crusaders are not invincible, especially when Carter's not steering the ship and it won't have escaped the red-and-blacks' rivals.

BLUES
In the news: Wing David Smith is coming to Wellington as the Blues' player retention plan strikes again. Leave the most exciting talent the game's seen in years out of your squad for 10 weeks and then try to re-sign him. Top policy.

Physio's table: Joe Rokocoko (wrist).

The good: Their late-season revival means the semifinals are one win away and with halfback Taniela Moa, Smith and a relaxed-looking Nick Evans, at fullback, providing the spark, the Blues just might scrape in.

The bad: If the Blues make the playoffs it will confirm the merits of the wacky coaching philosophy David Nucifora used to win the Super 12 with the Brumbies in 2004. You take a team, break its confidence, shuffle the starting XV till players and fans are confused, then resign in an elaborate ruse designed to snatch the title.

CHIEFS
In the news: Prop Ben May completes a bad week for the Chiefs with a three-week suspension for standing on a Lions player's head.

Physio's table: Sione Lauaki (hamstring), Sititveni Sivivatu (ankle), Tom Willis (oblique), all day to day, Richard Kahui (ankle), Simon Lemalu (meniscal knee tear), Simms Davison (lumbar spine), Stephen Donald (sore neck), should be OK.

The good: After that injury list and the losses to the Force and the Lions it is hard to be positive, but Lelia Masaga continues to shine.

The bad: Chiefs fans have seen this flick before. It's called "Flatter to deceive, Volume 11", starring Stephen Donald and Sione Lauaki.

HIGHLANDERS
In the news: Skipper Craig Newby decides 10 losing interviews with Sky TV's commentary team are enough and packs his bags for England.

Physio's table: Alando Soakai (shoulder), Hoani Macdonald (wrist), Brett Mather (knee), Matt Saunders (concussion), Steven Setephano (calf), Jamie Mackintosh (foot).

The good: The season is nearly over.

The bad: Halfback Jimmy Cowan is charged with disorderly conduct after an early-morning incident in Dunedin, drawing cringes from the panel that judged him Southland Sportsperson of the Year last Friday.

SOUTH AFRICA WATCH
In the news: Bulls team doctor Tommie Smook is concerned the abscess in Derick Hougaard's gluteus muscle has turned septic and will force him to miss the final match against the Cheetahs. Yuk! The Stormers have sent out an SOS to former test prop Ollie le Roux, 35, in a bid to shore up their scrum for their final match, against the Lions. Former Wellington coach John Plumtree will take over as head coach of the Sharks next year from Dick Muir.

Pick of the bunch: The Sharks are finishing strongly, No 8 Jacques Botes' hat-trick and two late Odwa Ndungane tries against the Cheetahs meaning they could steal a place in the playoffs with a win against the flagging Chiefs in the final round.