One match on tonight that will be pivotal in deciding what the ultimate shape of the final six will be.

Chiefs v Hurricanes

It’s crunch time for both these teams today, a loss here will be the end of the road for one. While the Canes be without Conrad Smith, Alapati Leiua, Andre Taylor and Victor Vito, it’s the fitness of rake Dane Coles (calf) who the Canes are sweating over amid a hooker crisis.

Winning will be made even more difficult by the fact the Chiefs’ destiny remains in their own hands. Despite losing their last three, including a 37-point hiding by the Canes, the defending champions can still sneak into the finals with two wins.

I’m tipping the Chiefs, as long as they can get their wayward lineout together and keep the penalty count low.

Chiefs by 8

Lions v Rebels

Only die hard Lions and Rebels fans will really care about the outcome of this dead rubber. Although in the cellar, both proud teams should come out firing as the loser could very well end up with the dreaded wooden-spoon.

Expect Rebels hooker and Japanese international Shota Horie to be full of confidence after re-signing earlier this week. That said, the Lions have surprised all by winning four of their six home games this season. And those two losses were to the conference-leading Sharks and Crusaders.

The Rebels are yet to win outside Australia and Rebels coach Tony McGahan blasted his side for their “soft” performance against the Reds. The Rebels have made four changes for the clash and they’ll need to harden up quickly and keep their discipline to have any chance.

I’m tipping the Lions to get there on the boot of Boshoff, Lions by 6.

Good luck, good tipping!

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