The third week of the Super 14 sees 2 South African sides touring which could derail their seasons!

The Sharks and Lions face strong tests away from home, especially considering neither has been able to win as yet on their home grounds!

The Brumbies and Waratahs both enter their second games in South Africa, and it’s critical to pick up at least 1 away win if they have semi-final aspirations.

Crusaders v Sharks – AMI Stadium, Christchurch

As I keep harping on, the Sharks season is only going to get worse! Although they’ve historically been the best South African side at touring, rarely have they had a good result in Christchurch. Against a Crusaders side that is showing some desperation by recalling Richie McCaw early from his break, it’s not going to get any better.

On paper these sides are fairly even. Both have good packs, and outside of Dan Carter, the Sharks edge the Crusaders backs. However this Sharks side is poorly coached, tactically niave and lack the ability to construct tries. That’s a recipe for disaster and won’t be enough to stop the losing streak.

Crusaders by 12.

Stormers v Brumbies – Newlands, Cape Town

Despite the absence of Schalk Burger, this side will be hungry and well led by Andries Bekker. Home wins are not negotiable, and last week was a step in the right direction for the Stormers.

The Brumbies have a solid pack, and a good backline. The Stormers will need to show the same discipline and desire on defence they showed last week against the Waratahs. The Burmbies will keep ball in hand more often, and try to construct multiple phases. As long as the Stormers defend like last week, the Brumbies won’t get very far.

There may need to be a bit more creativity in attack, but that’s an area I feel the Stormers will continue to improve in as the season progresses.

I’m expecting a full house at Newlands, and a stirring victory to the home side!

Stormers by 10.

Hurricanes v Lions – Westpac Stadium, Wellington

The Lions will continue to play the expansive game. They just need to ensure they defend properly and not concede too many points. The best way to do that is to maintain possession and score themselves.

Away to the Hurricanes represents a much greater challenge than playing at altitude in Johannesburg, and whilst I would love to see the Lions win, the smart money has to be with the Hurricanes. Conditions have been good in Wellington, meaning bonus points are probably the order of the day for both sides.

I hope not, but the Hurrcanes by 15.

Reds v Blues – Ballymore, Brisbane

A tough game to call. The Blues are particularly great, but the Reds are without captain James Horwill.

The Blues seem to struggle to put together an 80 minute effort, and Stephen Brett hasn’t controlled this side particularly well. The Reds will be bouyed by last season’s effort, and home advantage in a hot, humid Brisbane swings it for me.

Reds by 10.

Force v Chiefs – Perth

The Chiefs have come off 2 tough games in South Africa and have a few injury concerns as well as the suspension to Sione Lauaki.

However the Force offer very little other than a training run, and even the recruitment of David Hill can’t help them.

Chiefs by 22.

Cheetahs v Highlanders – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

The Cheetahs will have gained massive confidence from their victory over the Sharks and can now put valuable points on the board before they struggle with travel.

The Highlanders often play well in South Africa, but at altitude it will be much tougher. This Cheetahs pack will be tested by the Highlanders, but it is in the back row and out wide where the Cheetahs will run them ragged and score the valuable tries that will ensure victory.

Cheetahs by 14.

Bulls v Waratahs – Loftus, Pretoria

Who will stop the Bulls? It won’t be the Waratahs. They are too negative, and taking on the Bulls at their strengths (a territory game with plenty of kicking) will burn them.

Led by Matfield, and bolstered by the return of Danie Rousouw and Dewald Potgieter is only going to let this Bulls side up the ante. The Bulls have scored 2 fifty pointers in a row, and whilst the Waratahs have a strong defence, the Bulls should be able to continue their scoring streak.

Bulls by 16.