Crusaders ($1.08) v Force ($8)
The Crusaders have made a habit of leaving their victory pursuits late, of late. Come from behind wins in all of their first four games, sees them just a couple of bonus points behind the Chiefs in the New Zealand conference. Leaving things late this week is unlikely to be a problem against the struggling Force. The Force are coming off a bye and will undoubtedly struggle in Christchurch. Crusaders 13+.
Rebels ($3.15) v Waratahs ($1.36)
The Rebels are conceding an average of 50 points a game, which is surprisingly, only slightly more than their fifth round opponents, the pre-tournament fancied, Waratahs. The Waratahs lost to the Brumbies at home last week, compounding their losing streak to three. In a battle of two pretty poor sides, we’re going to give it to the Tahs, by 1-12.
Blues ($1.15) v Bulls ($5.50)
The Bulls head to New Zealand with only a solitary win against their name this year. But their chances of adding to that are aided by the fact that the Blues have been equally as poor this season – it could be a low scoring bore fest. Blues 1-12 with little confidence in either side, but some in the individual ability of Jan Serfontein – so good last week.
Brumbies ($2.15) v Highlanders ($1.70)
The leaders of the Australian conference were impressive last week against the Waratahs, getting their first away win of the season through a double to Henry Speight and an impressive turn from Tevita Kuridrani. The Highlanders on the other side have badly missed Ben Smith. While the other Smith – Aaron – looks woefully out of form and a shadow of the player he was before last year’s controversy. Brumbies 13+.
Sunwolves ($11) v Stormers ($1.04)
It’s a measure of the Sunwolves struggles that they couldn’t beat a side that was down to 14 men for almost the entire second half last week. They did manage to make some progress against the reduced Bulls side and had a handy lead going into the last ten, but they subsequently gave it up. Stormers 13+.
Kings ($12.50) v Lions ($1.03)
Last year’s beaten finalists, the Lions, kicked their season into gear with a comprehensive victory over the Reds. Scoring seven tries at their Ellis Park fortress was a warning shot across the bow of the luckless Kings franchise that has just one win this season. Lions 1-12.
Cheetahs ($2.36) v Sharks ($1.60)
This could be the game of the round. Two conference contenders needing to gain some ground on the surprise Argentina packages. Hoping the better Cheetahs outfit turns up – not round 4’s version – the one that got hammered in Buenos Aires. Sharks 1-12.
Jaguares ($1.17) v Reds ($5.10)
Top of the South African conference and so impressive in dismantling the Cheetahs last week, the Jaguares are the real deal. Sure, their franchise name is hard to say, but you’ll get better at it because they are serious contenders and will be hanging around at the business end of the season – giving us all plenty of time to perfect it. Jaguares 13+.
