Crusaders vs Waratahs

A repeat of the 2014 final, which also happened to be the game that the Waratahs snapped an 11 game losing run against the Crusaders that stretched all the way back to 2004. The Tahs also triumphed in this game last year, although that was in Sydney. The Crusaders’ stunning winning run in 2016 was brought to an end by the Highlanders last weekend, but I doubt if the Tahs can keep up with the tempo of that Kiwi derby. Crusaders by 9.

Reds vs Sunwolves

It’s been a hugely positive few weeks for the Sunwolves, who have beaten the Jaguares and drawn with the Stormers in their last three games. A trip to the Reds, who have stumbled through this season like they’ve had one too many down at the local, represents a good opportunity to keep that momentum going. Much will depend on whether the Reds can get influential centre Samu Kerevi fit – if so, I make them slight favourites. Reds by 5.

Chiefs vs Rebels

The Chiefs have had a week off to stew on their surprise home loss to the Highlanders, a game in which they were never really allowed to be at the races by the resurgent Otago side. They are without influential midfielder Charlie Ngatai, who has a concussion. The Rebels played their part in a fine Aussie derby against the Brumbies last weekend, only to come away empty-handed. It’s difficult to see them leaving with anything to show for their trouble in Hamilton, either. Chiefs by 21.

Force vs Blues

This is probably the most difficult one to call this weekend, purely because neither side has been in anything even approaching good form. The Blues strung three wins together before they were absolutely pummelled by the Lions last weekend – they just didn’t look interested. The Force have just two wins to their name this campaign, but have home advantage. The Blues have the better team on paper, but too often that quality hasn’t translated to wins. They are at the end of their tour and although they have a good record against the Force, I think they are there for the taking. Force by 3.

Lions vs Jaguares

The Jaguares registered their fourth losing bonus point of the season last weekend as they proved once again that they can be competitive, but don’t yet have the necessary nous to consistently win matches. The Lions’ confidence is flying high again, as they erased memories of the crushing loss to the Hurricanes with an equally emphatic pummelling of the Blues. As the Jaguares’ influential back-rower Leonardo Senatore is ruled out for 10 weeks for biting, it’s difficult to see any other result here either. Lions by 15.

Sharks vs Kings

The Sharks showed good backbone to battle for a late win in Buenos Aires last week – despite the Jaguares poor win/loss ratio, it will always be a difficult place to get a result. They are rewarded with the gimme fixture of the Kings at home, although it has to be said that the men from Port Elizabeth have battled well in their last two games to record losing margins smaller than many expected. Impossible to see anything other than a home win here though. Sharks by 30.

Bulls vs Stormers

The last game of the weekend is a tricky one. Both the Bulls and the Stormers started the season well, but respective recent form is not good. The Bulls will be thrilled to return home after a disastrous tour that saw them pick up zero points from two games and lose by a combined total of 40 points. The Stormers, meanwhile, have just one win in their last three games, after they snatched a draw in Singapore last weekend. That surprise result should at the very least see them take nothing for granted. This will be attritional and it will be very, very tight – but I’m backing the men from Cape Town to bounce back from their shocker in Singapore last week. Stormers by 2.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43