Crusaders v Bulls 
A must win game for the Bulls to have any chance of a home semi-final. The team is much better balanced this week with Danie Rossouw moving to flank, Captain fantastic Victor Matfield returns, and our game breaker the flying Habana is back with a vengeance.

This game is more about overcoming the mental barriers rather than any physical ones. We are better than the Crusaders in almost all departments, it’s rising above the challenge and barriers of winning away from home, at Jade stadium where we have performed so poorly for so long that is key.

First time defence was awful against the Islanders, if we show the urgency required we have the lineout and scrum to trouble the Crusaders and ensure we have plenty of possession and territory to rack up the points. If we start well, a bonus point is there for the taking. Bulls by 12.

Farce v Reds 
The Reds play the more attractive rugby, but Aussie derbies always tend to be unattractive slugfests. I’m picking a tight, low scoring game with the difference to come in the form of Matt Giteau. Actually i’ve changed my mind and now i’m picking the Reds by 6.

Chiefs v Lions 
A no brainer here. Lions won’t win away from home. Chiefs are in form. Chiefs by plenty. Lions might get lucky and score 2-3 tries.

Worrytahs v Stormers 
Stomers are awful. Once again they’ve let me down and if I was Springbok coach i’d be dropping some of the Cape Boks. Worrytahs solid but unspectacular, but they get the job done. They’ll get this one by 10.

Cheaters v Brumbies 
I still think the Cheaters are going to struggle to win 1 game in this competition. They’re embrassing and now get to suffer defeat in from of their home fans, if any turn up. Brumbies haven’t been good away from home, but it’s time to get the points offered on a platter. Brumbies by 12.

Sharks v Horricanes 
An important game for both teams. Horricanes look good off turnover ball. The key for the Sharks is to play it tight, using their superior forwards, and that’ll starve the Horricanes of quality posession. Then the Sharks can turn the pressure into points. Sharks by 10.