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Cape Town - The Sharks will look to extend their SA Conference lead as the Bulls finish up in Perth and the Cheetahs host the Stormers.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Blues v Waratahs, Auckland - 07:35
The Blues have been so Jekyll and Hyde this season it's
incredibly difficult to pick their games. At home, however, they are yet to
lose, which throws a spanner in the works. The Waratahs have cooled somewhat
since their insatiable early season form, but recorded an important, if not
stylish, win over the Bulls in the last round. In many ways this is the most
difficult one to call this weekend, and even though it would be an upset, I
think the Blues, back in Auckland, could catch the Waratahs out.
Prediction: Blues by 5
Brumbies v Chiefs, Canberra - 09:40
The Chiefs came unstuck against the Crusaders last weekend,
and to be honest, it wasn't before time. They wobbled on tour and at home to
the Rebels, and look a different side without Aaron Cruden. The Brumbies,
meanwhile, are going about their business with quiet efficiency. Last week's
bye came on the back of six wins in eight games, which leaves them on equal
points with their opponents this weekend. Against a Cruden-less Chiefs, and
back in Canberra, the Brumbies should triumph in this one.
Prediction: Brumbies by 8
Sharks v Highlanders, Durban - 19:10
The Sharks sit top of the log and while the quality of rugby
they have been playing in recent weeks seems to have dropped a bit, they are
still winning. They have won ugly against South African franchises in the last
few rounds, but against the more free-flowing game of the Highlanders they will
likely have to play a bit more rugby. The visitors, for their part, are in
decent form but have not won away from home yet this year - a stat that is
unlikely to change at King's Park.
Prediction: Sharks by 15
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
Hurricanes v Reds, Wellington - 09:35
It's all gone a bit pear-shaped for the Reds. One win in
their last five, against the even further under par Stormers, has seen them
slip to second bottom in the Australian confidence. Quade Cooper has, for some
reason, reigned himself in a bit, but the Reds will need him to open his game
up a bit against the sublime attack of the Hurricanes and their conductor,
Beauden Barrett. With Alapati Leiua and Julian Savea in insatiable form outside
him, this could be another high scoring thriller in Wellington.
Prediction: Hurricanes by
10
Force v Bulls, Perth - 11:40
The Bulls still show no sign of being able to win away from
Loftus, going down to the Waratahs last weekend, although they have registered
losing bonus points in their last three. It has been a long tour for them, and
had the Force have won last weekend I wouldn't have given them a chance in this
one. However, their gravy train came to a halt against the Rebels in Round 10,
so an element of doubt could creep into their psyche. That said, in front of
their fervent fans I'd back them to win against the Bulls who just can't seem
to work it out on the road.
Prediction: Force by 3
Cheetahs v Stormers, Bloemfontein - 17:05
This is unlikely to be a classic. Although the Cheetahs do
like to score points, their opponents are incredibly try averse, and most South
African derbies this season have been dull affairs. These two sit bottom of the
log and have three wins between them, so there is little more than pride on the
line here. The Stormers finally bagged a win last weekend and will bring the
confidence from that into this one, but then the Cheetahs also played well in a
far tougher fixture against the Sharks. Both sides' abysmal season thus far
makes it a tough one to call, but home advantage could just swing it.
Prediction: Cheetahs
by 3
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