Chiefs vs Hurricanes

A tricky one to start with, as the Chiefs host the Hurricanes in Hamilton. The hosts lost to the Brumbies at home in round five, but then thumped the Waratahs away in round six; meanwhile the Hurricanes thrashed the Sunwolves and then lost to the Blues last week. The form isn’t hugely clear and, if in doubt, go with the home side. Chiefs by 4

Blues vs Lions

The Blues have strung together three away wins in a row, beating the Bulls, Stormers and Hurricanes in a tricky run of fixtures, and now return to Auckland to face the struggling Lions. The Lions have conceded over 30 points per game on average this season, and the Blues attack is likely to be more threatening than anything they have faced so far, so it could get ugly. Blues by 21

The Blues haven’t won a match at home this season, but they will surely get their first one this weekend when they host the hapless Lions. The Blues’ forwards and backs will have a jol on Saturday. Blues by 26

Sunwolves vs Crusaders

Since their opening-round win, the Sunwolves have had a tough time of it, and now face the defending champions in Brisbane, even though it’s technically a home game for them. I’d expect the Crusaders to rest several players, but they have plenty of quality in their squad and should still win easily. Crusaders by 43

Only one winner in this one … it just depends on if you will get a margin point or not. I am going Crusaders by 39.

Reds vs Bulls

The Vodacom Bulls picked up a much-needed win last weekend, just before they departed for their four-match tour of Australia and New Zealand. The matches will get progressively harder, and so they’ll be desperate to beat the Reds, who have just one win themselves. The home team has won this fixture since 2004, and I’m leaning towards the Reds here. Reds by 6

The Bulls finally got their first win of the season after a great second-half display helped them to a big win against the Highlanders. The Reds have looked good this season. Yes, they have also won only one game, but it could’ve been oh so different if the ball had bounced the other way for them. I think the Reds will claim a good win here. Reds by 10

Sharks vs Stormers

The top-performing South African sides go head to head in Durban, and with a successful tour under their belts, the Sharks will start as favourites here. The Stormers have enjoyed four home games out of five, and while they have lost only one match this season, they haven’t been tested in quite the same way as the Sharks. They’ll benefit from a rest last weekend, but the nature of their home defeat by the Blues will have raised some concerns. Sharks by 7

A huge match this … the high-flying Sharks taking on the Stormers at Kings Park. This could be a season-defining match for both teams. The Sharks have looked very good this season and they sit at the top of the table. The Stormers started like a house on fire only to see that fire extinguished at Newlands by the Blues. How will the men from Cape Town respond? Only time will tell. Matches between these two are normally very close, but I expect the Sharks to claim a comfortable win at home. Sharks by 10

Jaguares vs Highlanders

The team from Dunedin are having a wretched season so far, with heavy defeats by the Sharks, Crusaders and Bulls already chalked up, and the loss of their captain to injury for the season. The home team has to be favourites for this one in Buenos Aires. Jaguares by 16

The Jaguares are always very tough to beat at home and the Highlanders will find it even tougher. Only one winner here. Jaguares by 20

Brumbies vs Waratahs

At least this one looks pretty straightforward to finish the round on Sunday. The Waratahs have only mustered a win over the Lions this season, whilst the Brumbies are four wins from five and riding high on confidence. They’ve also beaten the Waratahs in six of the last seven meetings, and should win this too. Brumbies by 13

A match I won’t get up to watch on Sunday. The Brumbies will claim a good win at home. Brumbies by 10.