It’s crunch time!

This is the time that the contenders show what they are made of as they peak for the finals, whilst for some it’s going to mean heartbreak as semi-final aspirations become even more desperate and hope vanishes. It’s the time they reflect on 1 or 2 games and think if only…

Highlanders v Waratahs – Carisbrook, Dunedin

The Waratahs have a habit of winning ugly. The Highlanders have a habit of getting close but being unable to win. There is the story of the 2 sides, and one would expect the Waratahs to win by a small margin as they often do.

However the Highlanders at home may present a difficult proposition. Sure the Waratahs have everything to play for being in 5th spot and desperately trying to sneak into the semi-finals. However the Highlanders have nothing to lose. That allows them to play with greater freedom and because of that anything could happen.

The head say’s Waratahs by 9, but the gut say’s Highlanders by 7.

Stormers v Crusaders – Newlands, Cape Town

It’s do or die. This match could define their campaign. I’m actually about both sides. Each side find themselves in a similar position, with equal log points to boot. Both have 1 away match and 1 at home after this, neither of which are easy. Both could potentially miss out on a semi-final position, or even enjoy a home semi.

Both are coming off surprising losses. The Stormers have to travel back from Brisbane, whilst the Crusaders only from Perth which could help negate the home town advantage.

The Stormers have the advantage of having a strong defence that should be able to keep the Crusaders at bay. The Crusaders attacking edge has not been as sharp as recent seasons, hence one of the reasons they have struggled. Where the Stormers will need to improve is their discipline to limit Carter’s opportunities, and to be more patient and controlled on attack.

The Crusaders have bit match experience on their side, where the Stormers tend to falter under pressure. However that is all in the past and these sides have had numerous personnel changes which in my mind makes history irrelevant.

Stormers by 11.

Hurricanes v Chiefs – The Stadium, Wellington

The Hurricanes remain a mathematical chance and should be too good for a Chiefs side whose wheels have well and truly fallen off. The Chiefs will be without go forward man Sione Lauaki who should rather be in prison.

The Hurricanes will want a full house of 5 points, and more importantly to play well to build some much needed momentum as they mount their challenge for a possible semi-final spot.

Hurricanes by 15.

Brumbies v Reds – Bruce Stadium, Canberra

A good old grudge match. The desperation will be with the Brumbies, and on paper they certainly possess a much stronger side.

Will the Reds bubble finally burst? I think so, and hope so for it’ll help my Bulls side to grab a bit more breathing space! I don’t expect a lot between these 2 sides, but in the cold of Canberra I’m thinking the Brumbies might have greater control and potentially better goal kicking.

Brumbies by 6.

Cheetahs v Blues – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

The Blues were poor last week. Going with my theory they should be up for this game. The Cheetahs will relish being back on their home turf and displayed fantastic commitment and resolve last week, led superbly by Springbok strongman Juan Smith.

This could be a fantastic game, if both sides play to their potential and bring the right mental frame of mind.

Blues by 8 only because they lose last week!

Lions v Force – Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Does anybody care about this one? The Lions are crap. The Force not much better, but at least they maintain their pride and they’ve been rewarded in recent weeks.

The Lions showed against the Bulls in the first half they can tackle. Defence is more about attitude and heart than anything else. The Lions (like all South African sides) only show this against their countrymen. It defies logic, and that will be enough for the Force to win, even at altitude.

Force by 9.

Bulls v Sharks – Loftus, Pretoria

Oh yes…We are marching to Pretoria. Next obstacle is the Sharks.

The critics have pointed out that the Sharks have won the last 5 on the trot. Whoop de doo…They’ve only once scored the 4 try bonus point and that was against the Lions. My grandmother could score 4 tries against the Lions.

The Bulls will have to match up to the strong Springbok laden forward pack of the Sharks, but should be way too strong in the packs, with Morne Steyn to marshal his backline to produce greater try scoring opportunities and points.

The Sharks are fairly predictable. They like to pick and go, and use their strong ball runners. Bismarck du Plessis, John Smith, Willem Alberts and John Deysel. As long as the Bulls man up and negate the effects of Bismarck at the breakdown they’ll be fine.

The Loftus factor will help too. This is also the stage at which we generally start to peak and blow opposition sides away. It could be close for 60 minutes, but the Bulls should be too strong, too fast and too powerful for the Sharkies.

Go Bulle Go! Bulls by 14.