One third of the competition and there are not but a few certainties in the Super 14

Certain: the Sharks won't be competing for the title
Uncertain: Chiefs and Hurricanes' chances

Cert: Ali Williams, Bakkies Botha and Heinrich Brüssow are out for the competition
Uncert: When will Isaia Toeava, Peter Hynes and Andy Ellis be back

Cert: The Bulls are hot favourites
Uncert: How will they fare out of Africa.

Cert: The Waratahs are improving
Uncert: Will they be consistent enough?

Cert: Will Genia is the nine to watch in the competition.
Uncert: Luke Burgess running is better than his passes.

Cert: The Stormers will get better
Uncert: The Brumbies shall get better?

You could expect the Bulls and the Crusaders to be there at the end. Followed by Chiefs, Stormers, Hurricanes and Brumbies. From now on, I would say that Christchurch and Pretoria shall be fiercely looking at each other.

Ah, the Crusaders will play the Bulls in Pretoria. It's an important detail.