Two weeks of wondering about who is in the top six. Two weeks for the fringe teams to secure their position and Two weeks for the Sharks and the Bulls to ensure that their are three SA teams in the play-offs. So, this is how its going down. Bulls to win, Sharks to win, both with 5 points. Reds lose and Crusaders v Blues is a boring 0-0 draw. Now the odds I would get on that would be ridiculous. Round 17 PreJudgement to follow...
Chiefs v Hurricanes (Hamilton)
These two teams are fighting to avoid the wooden spoon in the NZ conference this year. Both are coming off a win last week but looking at their opposition you would feel that the Chiefs had the better win. Will this prove in their favour or not? The Hurricanes backline have slowly been finding their feet over the past few weeks and more importantly Corey Jane. Looking forward to his battle up against Chiefs captain Mils Muliaina.
PreJudgement: Chiefs by 9
Brumbies v Rebels (Canberra)
These are two of the bottom teams playing each other. There isn't much to be said about the Brumbies that hasn't been said already. They have simply been poor this season. The Rebels have, as expected, finished on the bottom of the Australian conference but have dished out a few surprises this season. Controversially Danny Cipriani makes a return to the starting line up. I won't lie, I am looking forward to this game and I think it will be a good one.
PreJudgement: Rebels by 4
Crusaders v Blues (Timaru)
Big game of the weekend as these two are playing for top spot and automatic qualification in the NZ conference. Both teams are fielding their best and this game will be played as a knock-out game, quite tight I would think. The Crusaders need the win and this should open the door for some backline magic.
PreJudgement: Crusaders by 5
Waratahs v Highlanders (Sydney)
The last make or break game for these teams. the great thing is it is not a derby game and I am looking forward to watching this clash. Both teams have finished this 2011 campaign poorly and are rapidly running out of opportunity to make the play-offs. Tony Brown running on at number 10, he may be a pensioner but could be the man to take it on for the Highlanders.
PreJudgement: Highlanders by 9
Force v Reds (Perth)
If the Reds drop this game, which I don't see, it opens the door for the Stormers to top the 2011 log at the end of the weekend. You can't see the Reds losing but the opportunity is there. They have had the greatest ever run in SupeRugby and one wonders if and when they will slip up or buckle under the pressure. The Force have not been impressive this season and will try and topple the table toppers but you just don't see this game in their favour.
PreJudgement: Reds by 8
Lions v Sharks (Johannesburg)
There are many factors influencing this game, the one that stands out for me is seeing Butch James line up against his old team. The Lions have had an inconsistent season but the momentum is with them at the moment. The Sharks will not underestimate this Lions outfit and will be looking to knock them out early on. John Smit moves to hooker and the Beast makes a start....NICE!
PreJudgement: Sharks by 10
Stormers v Bulls (Cape Town)
This game has to be the talk of the SupeRugby world this week. Both teams need the win for different reasons. The Stormers could go top, but if they lose, could lose the top spot in SA conference next week. The Bulls are playing for a play-off spot . This game is so difficult to call as both teams are on fire and both teams have the trophy in mind, with the experience and ability to do so. The talk of the week is the loss of Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez for the Bulls and the stormers rookie Fly-Half Kurt Coleman. Game on!
PreJudgement: Stormers by 5 (Home ground call)
Finally I would like to wish the SA under 20's good luck in the IRB Junior World Championship/Trophy. Bring it home boys.
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