Blues v Waratahs 
Both teams have started to see their campaigns stutter and will be desperate to win, as a loss of momentum could effectively kill their chances. I am picking the Blues to have a better forward pack, and provide better go forward ball and field position. Both teams have dangerous players in their backlines, but this game will be won in the forwards. Blues by 9

Highlanders v Bulls 
A must win game for the Bulls if we are to challenge for a home semi. It is so important we win, and try and come away with the bonus point. This is a team that is self-driven, having said to themselves they weren’t up to the standard they want in Wellington. The Islanders have guts, and a few decent individuals, but if the Bulls rock up with their hard nosed attitude, the guts and determination they’ve shown all season, and a bit of nous upstairs, we’ll do this easy enough even without Matfield, Habana and Stegmann. Bulls by 13.

Crusaders v Stormers 
Both these teams are back in contention after almost appearing to be gone. The Crusaders are coming off an away wn, whilst the Stomers have had a week to acclimatise. It’s now or never for the Stormers who need at least 15 points from this tour. They have the all round capabilities, against a weak Crusaders side it’s time to deliver.
 This one’s not about what each team can do, it’s about producing the result. Stormers by 10

Reds v Chiefs 
The Chiefs have suddenly won 3 and are in semi final contention. I still think they’ll struggle in the second half of the season, but they have confidence and momentum and are playing good rugby. Their forwards have improved and their backline is dangerous. The Reds like to throw the ball around and could do anything, unfrotunately for them that is high risk and I think they’ll come up short. Chiefs by 12.

Sharks v Brumbies 
A must win game for the Sharks who will enjoy being back in Durban. Unfortunately it’s a long trip and the Brumbies have had time to get use to conditions. The Brumbies have a good record at Kings park, and beat us 2 years ago. The Sharks have to front up and produce the sort of defence they did against the Farce. Off the line quickly and in the Brumbies faces. If they do that they’ll get home even though we don’t have a general at flyhalf to control the game. Sharks by 9.

Lions v Horricanes 
The Lions showed that they can produce the mental application to win. The Horrorcanes have a long trip and i;m picking the Lions to outlast them on the highveld in a big upset. Earl Rose and Jacque Fourie and playing well and need to control the backs, whilst Grobbelaar is leading the loosies well and winning valuable turnovers. Lions by 6