A top-of-the-table clash this week will largely determine which teams will get home semi-finals, while a bottom-of-the-table clash will also provide a spectacle for fans as the next chapter in a heated rivalry.

Hurricanes v Cheetahs
The weekend gets off to a slow start with this game between teams with little to no chance of making the semis. The Hurricanes returned to form two weeks ago to beat the Bulls but the bye last week with have done their rhythm no favours. Coupled with their typically inconsistent performances this year, it is hard to say if the Hurricanes will come out firing or meekly roll over. The Cheetahs have lost two games from two on their New Zealand tour, performing well at times but struggling to score points. Even with the Hurricanes’ inconsistencies, they should be too good for the Cheetahs.

Chiefs v Force
The wheels completely fell off the Force’s campaign last week when they were demolished by the Crusaders. And the defensive holes that were exposed then will once again be exploited by the explosive Chiefs back line. With some of the most elusive and dangerous open field runners in the Chiefs back three, the Force could spend a lot of time chasing ball runners. Coupled with the defensive woes of the Force, the Chiefs desperation will help them on their way to another win. If the Chiefs are to make the top four they will need to win all their remaining games, and if they play like they did last week, they will continue their winning ways.

Highlanders v Crusaders
This round’s local derby is between these South Island neighbours. Both sides come into this game with some injury worries, having each lost their top locks for the remainder of the season. But with the Crusaders hitting top form last week, it is hard to see the Highlanders causing an upset. Last week the Highlanders lost a high-scoring affair which exposed their defence, something the Crusaders will look to exploit. Crusaders’ coach Robbie Deans has made some changes to his back line, bringing back Scott Hamilton while bracketing Rico Gear with Rua Tupoki on the bench. But despite these changes the Crusaders should come away with the points.

Blues v Sharks
The match of the round has to be this top-of-the-table clash. The Sharks opened the season with eight straight wins before going on a two-game losing slide. Correcting that with a big win against the lowly Reds will have boosted their confidence but now they must come into town and beat the Blues, a team who also been in the top four since week one. Troy Flavell's Blues are the form team in this year’s Super 14, having dispatched almost all comers, a trend which will likely continue against the Sharks. Despite their huge win last week, the Sharks are not actually playing all that well and while this game will be close for a while, the Blues will eventually run away with it.

Waratahs v Reds
Even though these teams are at the bottom of the table, this match will provide another chapter in this storied Australian rivalry. The problem is, both teams have been so bad this year that nobody cares about their rivalry any more. The Waratahs have been a bad side all season, but the Reds have been even worse. While the Waratahs will win this game, do yourself a favour and watch something else.