With two top local derbies that influence a lot in the competition, Saturday is going to be a cracker. Crusaders are at home to the Highlanders which isn't looking good for the visiting team. The big one of the weekend is by far the Reds v Waratahs. If the Waratahs lose this that could be the end of their season...
Blues v Rebels (Auckland)
I feel for the Rebels here, as they always bounce back after a defeat. The Blues, however, are way too strong and have been slowly but surely growing in confidence this season. Between the strong forward pack and mesmerizing backline players the Blues will secure a bonus point win on Friday. How many points the Rebels score in reply is always tough to call...
PreJudgement: Blues by 14
Crusaders v Highlanders (Nelson)
Sonny Bill Williams has been benched for this fixture....Very Very interesting....The Crusaders have made a few changes for this game, with Sean Maitland being benched too. Is this a case of a great rotation policy or is it a silly move? Adam Thompson is noticeably missing from the Highlanders team due to injury.
PreJudgement: Crusaders by 11
Reds v Waratahs (Brisbane)
Game of the weekend by far. I am particularly looking forward to the Half Back pairings going up against each other. Will Genia & Quade Cooper vs Luke Burgess & Kurtley Beale will be a colossus battle of skill kicking ability and the fight for the Aussie Jumper come the Tri Nations and RWC. There is no ways on earth you are allowed to talk about the Queensland Reds and not mention Digby Ioane, see why here. His match up against Drew Mitchell will be great too, I think Mitchell has the gas to beat him but Digby Ioane has the power to run over him.
PreJudgement: Reds by 8
Force v Bulls (Perth)
This is going to be tough to call, as the Force have been poor but managed a win last week. The Bulls....well they have been poor but have two more wins to their name. It's going to be tough in Perth but I think the South African side will take this one
PreJudgement: Bulls by 5
Sharks v Hurricanes (Durban)
This is a must win for the Sharks if they want to ease the pressure off themselves to qualify for the knockouts. The Hurricanes have been in Cape Town this week training and will be traveling to Durban in the next two days. It is a great relief for the Sharks supporters to see Patrick Lambie back in the starting line up. Ross Skeate pairs up with Sykes at Lock and John Smit starting at hooker due to an injury to Bismark du Plessis. Will the Hurricanes play to their potential or will they retreat into their shell?
PreJudgement: Sharks by 9
Lions v Chiefs (Johannesburg)
I think the Lions might be in a spot of bother here...The Chiefs will be looking to end the Easter Weekends fixtures with a bonus point win to themselves. They will be looking to get their season rejuvenated by beating the bottom of the table Lions.
PreJudgement: Chiefs by 21
The Bulls and Waratahs will be hoping that the Hurricanes do them a favour and beat the Sharks in Durban on Saturday. This will boost their chances of qualifying for the knockouts should they win this weekend. Noticeable absentees this weekend are Bismark du Plessis, Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter. Some welcome returns see Phil Waugh, Patrick Lambie and John Smit (starting at Hooker) return.
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