The Crusaders are the only team on a bye this weekend and therefore secure a valuable 4 points in their quest to make play-offs. The Sharks, Bulls, Highlanders and 'Tahs are facing not their first and definitely not their last season defining game this weekend. Lets dig in...
Highlanders v Force (Dunedin)
This is going to be a cracker but The Highlanders will be looking to bag 5 points here. The Force are without James O'Connor for the second week running but do have a very exciting half back pairing in Swanepoel and Stannard. The Force away from home and on the end of a poor season, I just can't see them taking it. unless of course the Highlanders completely butcher it.
PreJudgement: Highlanders by 5
Rebels v Stormers (Melbourne)
Can you hear that? Its a storm warning in Melbourne...wow, that looks so much worse written than in my head, but it stays. As inspirational as this season has been for the new franchise, breaking the Stormers defense needs a little more than inspiration. Great midfield match up but that little battle will end in the Springbok pairing dominating. Kurt Coleman you beauty, this kid has put his hand up when the Stormers were quite simply, in poo! Yes, he has being playing with a quality outfit, but he has done well. Keep it up. As for his replacement....BLEH!
PreJudgement: Stormers by 21
Bulls v Waratahs (Pretoria)
This is going to be a hard and physically draining game for both teams. The 'Tahs are talking up a big game this week and saying they won't slip like they did last year at the same venue. Could it be? I doubt it. Danie Rossouw gets a well deserved start and will be tearing the Aussie team apart with his physical play, oh yes, then there's G.Botha, B.Botha, Matfield, Stegmann and Spies you have to keep an eye on too. I just can't see them out-muscling, out-running or out-thinking the Bulls.
PreJudgement: Bulls by 9
Hurricanes v Lions (Wellington)
Beware the wounded Lion. The Lions come off a great win last week and will be looking to build on it, the Hurricanes too. You look at the teams on paper and surely you would back the 'Canes, then again, you would have backed the Highlanders last week. Grobelaar comes back into the set up and I am not sure he will be up to the games pace but lets see.
PreJudgement: "Canes by 6
Blues v Chiefs (Auckland)
This is going to be a proper battle. Looking at the Blues backline its pretty dangerous and so is he Chiefs one. The Blues have opted to bench Kevin Mealamu but I do see him making a massive difference when he runs on to the park. Tana Umaga starts at 12 after returning from injury with Richard Kahui outside him. A Cracker of a game awaits us.
PreJudgement: Blues by 4
Reds v Brumbies (Brisbane)
You can't see the Brumbies taking this one, the only thing they have in their favour is that the Reds have come off a massive battle against the Crusaders and they might underestimate them.....aaaah NOPE! Reds Coach Ewen McKenzie will not allow that. The Brumbies have been taking beating after beating this season and the last thing they want is to get smashed in a derby game.
PreJudgement: Reds by 11
Cheetahs v Sharks (Bloemfontein)
Mmmmm, crunch time for the Sharks. This game is making me a little nervous as the Cheetahs are looking good and are at home against the banana boys (now, that goes back some time). Plumtree has opted for Smit to start at prop and the Beast off the bench. I am a big John Smit fan but i do believe he is a hooker but lets wait and see because if you are going to get tested....Bloem is the place to go. Frederic Michalak returns for the Sharks and they will soon be welcoming Marius Joubert and Ruan Pienaar. Things are looking better for the backline now. Sias Ebersohn scares me as he is on fire.
PreJudgement: Sharks by 7
Another SupeRugby weekend to look forward too and some movement on the table.
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