It’s been a year of change in PRO14 with two new teams added from South Africa, the Free State Cheetahs and the Southern Kings, swelling the number of competitors from 12 to 14.

It’s probably too early to declare the expansion a success with many teething problems including flight delays, small crowds and even a player bit by a lion.

But with just two full rounds remaining the good news for South African teams is that the Cheetahs are virtually into the playoffs, currently third in Conference A on 57 points – nine ahead of fourth-placed Cardiff Blues who they defeated 29-27 in a thriller in Bloemfontein.

A fine achievement considering the Blues are on track for a place in the final of the Challenge Cup after trouncing Edinburgh in Scotland.

Barring a complete disaster, the Cheetahs will face second placed Munster (63 points) in the first week of the playoffs – a reverse of this Friday’s fixture where Free State host The Red Army in Bloemfontein.

And as the Cheetahs’ last regular season match is against the low-lying Kings, last in Conference A, it’s safe to say there will be South African representation in the last six of the first ever PRO14.

The Cheetahs however may not meet Munster but the Glasgow Warriors who currently lead Conference A on 70 points but have been poor since returning from the international break losing 26-8 to Scarlets.

The only negative for Free State is that there is an increasing number of players being signed by rival clubs for next season with wing Clayton Blommetjies (Scarlets) and tighthead Tom Botha (Ospreys) the latest two to depart.

The situation is far more open in Conference B with Leinster (69 points), Scarlets (65) and Edinburgh (59) jostling for finishing positions in the top three.

Even fourth-placed Ulster – on 51 points but with a game in hand – could still sneak into the playoffs.

It may go down to the final day with Munster hosting Ulster and Glasgow making the short trip to Edinburgh.

Regardless the PRO14 has already shown its strength with Leinster, Munster and Scarlets earning places in the final four of the Champions Cup much to the chagrin of Premiership clubs.