Crusaders vs Jaguares

The Jaguares are having a pretty miserable tour, which was to be expected when they chose to leave many of their headline stars at home. The Crusaders are quietly looking quite formidable, and although they nearly threw it away against the Force last week that was likely just a blip. Crusaders by 21.

Rebels vs Hurricanes

An intriguing one, this. The Rebels have been far less of a pushover than many people were expecting, while the Hurricanes have recovered well after losing their opening two games. The Canes are a team, though, that tend to relish games on the road just as much as at home, and given that the Rebels have already been walloped by the Highlanders at home this season, I think we’ll see another Kiwi win here. Hurricanes by 6.

Cheetahs vs Sunwolves

The Sunwolves came almightily close to downing the Cheetahs in the reverse of this fixture earlier in the season, the one point loss representing the closest they have come to a win yet. That was at home, however, and as their time on the road starts to take a toll, this should be a more comfortable win for the men from Bloemfontein. Cheetahs by 12.

Blues vs Sharks

After a stellar start to the season the Sharks have hit a real roadblock with a draw and two losses in their last three games – not ideal preparation for a tour of New Zealand. Facing the Blues first up could be seen as a soft landing in the country, but in reality the men from Auckland are a tough proposition at home, and could well register their first win against the Sharks since 2005. Blues by 7.

Waratahs vs Brumbies

This is certainly one of the trickier ones to call this weekend. The Waratahs are struggling with the loss of Michael Cheika this year, while the Brumbies’ issues look like they are starting to creep out of the boardroom and onto the pitch. The loss of David Pocock to suspension will hit them hard, and for that reason I think a narrow home win could be on the cards. Waratahs by 2.

Bulls vs Reds

The Reds managed their first win of the season in style against the Highlanders in round seven, and their reward is a tough trip to the Highveld. The Bulls haven’t lost since the opening round, although they haven’t always looked that convincing. The Reds, however, haven’t won for an awfully long time at Loftus – it doesn’t look like that’s about to change. Bulls by 18.

Lions vs Stormers

The weekend finishes with another difficult-to-call derby. The Lions have been winning many plaudits for their entertaining brand of rugby – the Stormers less so, but it’s the men from Cape Town that sit higher on the log. The Stormers have the better of this rivalry historically, but with their injury issues at fly-half and the Lions’ confidence high after winning in Durban last weekend, this one looks like a home win. Lions by 5.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43