Crusaders v Horrorcanes
Both of these teams may have been semi-finalists last year, but both are struggling. The Crusaders defence appears to be strong, whilst the Horrorcanes have struggled on attack so far. I’m picking a close game, maybe 2-3 tries apeice and a Crusaders win by about 8.

Worrytahs v Islanders
The proud record of the Worrytahs at the Sydney football stadium is in no danger here. Should be another dull game, and Worrytahs should win comfortably by at least 10.

Chiefs v Sharks
The Chiefs are yet to record a win and will be glad to return to Hamilton. The Sharks meanwhile are pretty good tourists and must win this game to set up a successful tour. If they can win this one, they really only need to win another 2 out of their 4 tour games. It may not always be pretty, but i’m sure the Sharks will be effective playing direct rugby. They have fantastic depth too which will ensure the travel factor becomes less of an issue than it has been in the past. Sharks by 10.

Brumbies v Farce
I couldn’t care less about this game, but it presents the Brumbies with a fantastic opportunity to make it 3 from 3. I’m not expecting the Farce to put up too much of a challenge. How strong is their team spirit if Giteau has already said he will go back to the Brumbies next year, and Mitchell is also considering following him? Clearly this Farce team is disjointed, is it time to get rid of them altogether? Brumbies by 8.

Lions v Bulls
Local South African derby’s are often drab, physical encounters wth little running rugby. I’m expecting that to change with a more free flowing game. In a pre-season game the Lions beat the Bulls, but that ain’t gonna happen again! If the Bulls can dominate from the outset and get a start like they did against the Blues, the winning margin could really open up. It will be interesting to see how Loffie Eloff and his team react to a second straight loss after they’ve been quite open about their goals and vision this year. Another win for the Bulls with a bonus point…

Stormers v Blues
Game of the round. The Blues were awful last week but were resting players and have had a horror run of injuries and unavailability. They will be strnegthened with the return of Kaino, and Rockoko this week.
The Stormers have been Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Fantastic at times and the awful Stormers of old at other times. This week they need to step up, with an 80 minutue effort. key to that will be their tactics, as they’ve shown that when they enter the opposition’s 22 they can make them pay. So if they play a tactical game, use the huge boots of Jantjies and Monty to pin the Blues in their half they’ll get the job done and bag the points. Stormers by 8.

Reds v Cheaters
I said if the Cheaters lost last week they’d lose all games on tour…well they could win this one. The Reds have to travel back from capetown and are also winless. The Cheaters should be better acclimatised than the Reds. The Reds play a high risk running game that will click against weak defensively minded teams. for this reason i’m picking them to win by 12.