Three big, important matches on today, and all three of them will have an impact on the final outcome of the top six at the end of the season.
Hurricanes Vs Crusaders
The Hurricanes have proven themselves to be one of the most entertaining teams in this years competition in an up and down, roller coaster ride of a season. But it will all be for nothing if they can’t manage to get on top of the conference leading Crusaders today.
With the Chiefs and a last-round bye to follow, victory is essential. They’ve taken a hit with skipper Conrad Smith (broken thumb) sidelined until the play-offs.
The Crusaders are also without their inspirational captain as Richie McCaw is nursing broken ribs. The third-placed visitors are also without giant winger Nemani Nadolo but have big guns Dan Carter and Kieran Read set to make long-awaited returns from the bench.
While we think the Hurricanes will have the edge in the back line, the Crusaders should to too strong up front where it counts. The Crusaders’ defense has been impressive this season where as the Hurricanes’ has been near non existent at times.
We’re tipping the Crusaders in a close one.
Waratahs Vs Brumbies 
Victory today for the Waratahs will see the end of the Sharks reign, looking down on the rest of the competition from high aloft the table.
The Brumbies have won just twice in Sydney but must overcome an horrific injury toll to make it a third. Last year’s runners up must do without Stephen Moore, Sam Carter, Matt Toomua and Pat McCabe while the Waratahs have the luxury of using Wallabies starter Will Skelton off the bench.
For the Brumbies, no.12 fill-in Andrew Smith is in his run-on doubt. Moore’s loss is huge with Laurie Fisher forced to convert Irish prop Ruaidhri Murphy into a hooker.
In contrast, the star-studded Tahs look the real deal. Despite a three-week break, their momentum has continued with NSW’s big guns carrying their form through the Wallabies’ series whitewash over France.
Three straight wins over the Brumbies, Highlanders and Reds will ensure a home semi-final and, if they are good enough, grand final.
If this was a full strength Brumbies line-up playing today, this would be a hugely difficult game to predict. However, it’s not. With the lack of star players, we can expect the Brumbies to resort to their go to game plan – territory and capitalizing on mistakes.
The Brumbies defense will have to be at it’s best to stand a chance today. However, the Tahs playing at home should be too strong. We predict the Waratahs to win with a 10-15 point margin.
Force Vs Blues 
John Kirwan will be delighted to have all six of his All Blacks returning for a tough trip to Perth on Saturday night as the Aucklanders look to keep their faint play-offs alive against a side who won’t hand the ball over lightly.
The Blues have a tough run to the finish line, and will need to rediscover their mojo on the road if they are to have a chance.
The Force may be seventh on the standings but with three teams ahead having byes, their destiny is in their own hands; two wins out of three likely enough for a maiden finals berth. Victory over the Blues will be crucial to that equation.
Michael Foley welcomes back key trio Alby Mathewson, Hugh McMeniman and Marcel Brache for a tough clash with the inconsistent Aucklanders. The Blues have put big flanker Steven Luatua back into their back-row and boast a talent-laden backline the Force will be hard pressed to contain. Young gun Ihaia West has kept his spot at no.10.
The Blues are yet to win away from home this season, and we can’t see that trend changing tonight. While at times the Force seem like they’re struggling, they always manage to find a way to hold on.
Because of that, we predict the Force to win in with a 10 point margin.
