Super 14 weekend preview: All to play for as race for semis hots up

The Crusaders are all but assured of their semi-final spot, needing only one bonus point win to achieve it.  The Waratahs, the Australian form team, have a tough run home – but have been in spectacular recent form.  Only one four-point win  separates third to seventh place, with all of those outfits capable of making late-season charges.  The Blues and the Force would need to win all their remaining games, and would need the front-runners to stumble, but stranger things have happened in the beauty that is sport. Let’s look at the games – with all games effectively 'internationals' and no derbies.

CRUSADERS (1st) who then play Reds and Highlanders v SHARKS (3rd) who play Cheetahs and Chiefs

The Sharks have had a harsh reality check, losing two on the trot to surging Brumbies and Waratahs teams.  They now visit the Crusaders, who have never lost to the Sharks in Christchurch, and have won 31 of their last 32 games – a justifiable use of the word Fortress.   Casey Laulau, the form outside centre in New Zealand rugby, returns with Canterbury full strength with the exception of Dan Carter.  The Sharks have lost Frenchman Frederic Michalak and probable Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis – and host the second worst attack of the tournament. Prediction: Canterbury to begin their Finals drive and push the Sharks out of the four.

REDS (10th) who then play Crusaders and Waratahs v BLUES (8th) who play Highlanders and Hurricanes