Cape Town – Sport24 chief writer Rob Houwing, in round 13 of his regular South African-focused Super Rugby previews this year, believes the much-debated Demetri Catrakilis might play an influential role in nudging the Stormers to a precious Newlands triumph over the Brumbies.
With even less conviction, his patriotic juices – yes, not always a safe route -- tell him the Lions may just nick a tight victory over the dangerous Highlanders, hampered by their long haul to the Highveld.
But pure common sense, alas, suggests the Sharks will be up against it for the second successive weekend in New Zealand, with the log-leading Hurricanes strongly fancied to do the business at the Cake Tin.