After many years of losing lustre, Super Rugby Pacific got a lot right in 2025, and a bunch of regular-season stats released last week highlighted why many people have returned to the game. There were more points, fewer penalty goals, fewer stoppages, more viewers and - most crucially - greater jeopardy. There were over four lead changes in an average fixture, including a change after the 70th minute in almost a quarter of games. But then the finals arrived, and with them a realisation that Super Rugby’s restoration job needs more work. Specifically, a new and rickety playoff system. The 2025 finals series was, wisely, trimmed from eight teams to six. That meant three qualifying finals, and the highest-ranked loser getting a second chance in the finals.