The winner of each semifinal qualified for the final, which was contested between the Auckland Blues and Natal Sharks, with the Blues winning 45–21 to win the first Super 12 title.

The season was also the first of 10 under the deal between SANZAR and News Corporation which gave all broadcasting rights to News Limited for the Super 12, Tri-Nations, all inbound tours and test matches and in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as well as provincial competition matches.

South Africa used a different system for determining its Super 12 teams.

The top four sides from the previous season of the country's domestic competition, the Currie Cup, were granted berths in the Super 12.

Points breakdown: The playoffs follow a 1 v 4, 2 v 3 system with the highest placed team at home.