Friday
Crusaders v Highlanders (9.35am)
The Highlanders have arguably been the unluckiest team in the tournament this year.
While they have only won two of their seven matches to date, they lost the rest by close margins.
Somewhere along the line, they will be looking to break through that mental barrier and start winning.
It will be tough against the defending champions, though.
Rebels v Stormers (11.45am)
Judging by the Stormers’ performance against the Reds last weekend, they should lose this match.
They will enter the match with a new team though.
And those youngsters will go all out to prove a point. They will have to play out of their skins if they want the win in the end.
FAVOURITES: Bulls are favourites to win against the Reds.Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix.
Saturday
Chiefs v Blues (9.35am)
The Blues are riding high in recent weeks and are playing the sort of rugby that is a joy to watch.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, have not hit the ground running this year and the Blues can make a real statement if they win this encounter.
Brumbies v Lions (11.45am)
The Lions were embarrassed by the Sharks last weekend and will go to Canberra knowing they need to restore some lost pride.
It won’t be easy, but the South Africans should have enough to pull it through.
Sharks v Jaguares (3.05pm)
Inconsistency has been the Sharks’ biggest issue this year.
They were hot last weekend and now you kind of expect them to blow cold again.
If they can maintain the momentum built in the Lions match, they should get the better of the Jaguares.
Bulls v Reds (5.15pm)
At home the Bulls are favourites.
The Reds weren’t that hot against the Stormers, but still won the match in the end and will have confidence heading into the tie.
But the Bulls will make it a long afternoon for them at Loftus.