SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 6

FIXTURES:

March 17, Crusaders v Cats, Christchurch
March 17, Force v Waratahs, Perth
March 17, Bulls v Hurricanes, Pretoria
March 18, Blues v Brumbies, Auckland
March 18, Highlanders v Sharks, Dunedin
March 18, Stormers v Cheetahs, Cape Town

Byes-Chiefs & Reds

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

The Crusaders will dispose of the Cats without breaking into a sweat. They should get their 4 try bonus. They will probably rest key players and give squad members game time. I expect Dan Carter to be missing from the starting line up, he has had a few minor injuries over the past few weeks.
PREDICTION: Crusaders by 25+.
The Hurricanes finish their trip to South Africa with a tough game against the Bulls. It will be a big ask for the Canes to win back to back games in SA. I think they can do it. they are playing well as a team and are showing great team spirit. Hopefully that will be enough to see them through.
PREDICTION: Canes by 4+.
The Blues tackle the high flying Brumbies. The Blues are fresh from their week off. The Brumbies came through a tough, physical game against the Sharks. Hopefully the week off has given the Blues time to re-group.
PREDICTION: Blues by 1+.
The Highlanders return to NZ after a successful trip to SA. They will be keen to get their home campaign off with a bang and start to push for a play off place. They will have to much pace for the Sharks. It will be good to see Tony Brown back in Dunedin but it won't be his day.
PREDICTION: Highlanders by 9+.