ROUND 1
Waratahs v Hurricanes. This is where the ride begins for NSW and sets the tone for the season. NSW have home advantage, but against the physical Hurricanes, they will get no favours. The Super 14 debut of former rugby league star Timana Tahu will be a major drawcard, even if he has been picked to play on the wing.

ROUND 2
Bulls v Crusaders. A re-match of last year's try-less Super 14 semi-final at the same venue. Will the Bulls, who went on to win the Super 14 title, be as strong in 2008? Have the Crusaders learned from their loss in the Pretoria knockout? It may be early days yet in the Super 14, but both sides - and everyone else - will get a clear indication of what to expect from two of the big guns.

ROUND 3
Brumbies v Reds. With both sides full of fresh talent, it will be a match video new Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will be keen to get a copy of. But the Brumbies, even without Jeremy Paul, George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, and Stirling Mortlock (injured), should win comfortably, especially at home.

ROUND 4
Waratahs v Brumbies. NSW have it all going for them in this Australian derby. They have home advantage and the added motivation to win as they have the bye in the next round. Still, the Waratahs can be their own worst enemies.

ROUND 5
Blues v Force. An Aussie coaching a Kiwi side versus a Kiwi coaching an Aussie side. This should shed some real light on both sides' chances. Home advantage will be vital for the David Nucifora-coached Blues, but the short turn-around after their trip back from Durban could hurt them.

ROUND 6
Crusaders v Waratahs. OK, the Waratahs won the Rotomahana Challenge in Sydney but the Crusaders know that will count for very little. Both sides should have hit their straps by now - or broken them through injury. An away game for NSW but they should at least have added zip in their legs after their bye round.

ROUND 7
Blues v Bulls. Another clash between two of last year's semi-finalists - even if they were in opposite knockout matches. This should be played at a lightning fast pace and will be extremely brutal. The Bulls will try to play it tight even though, after last season, they know they have the weaponry in the backs to take on the Blues in attack and defence.

ROUND 8
Waratahs v Blues. NSW will be hoping the Bulls gave the Blues a punishing time in the previous round. By now the two sides will either be on the ropes for a semi-finals berth or looking good for a spot. A potential cracker.

ROUND 9
Force v Waratahs. No love lost here. Memories are fresh of the Force making recruitment announcements outside NSW's Moore Park headquarters in the Perth side's formative days.

ROUND 10
Reds v Force. The third of four Aussie derbies. Chances are the Reds' semi-final hopes will be long gone by now but that won't stymie their resolve to impress for coming Wallabies selection. If they, or the Force, are miraculously in with a chance, this will be a must-win game. But don't hold your breath on that.

ROUND 11
Waratahs v Sharks. For NSW, it could be cheers if they win or tears if they lose in their last home game before the knockout rounds. It could be second-rower Dan Vickerman's last game for NSW at the SFS before he goes to England next year. Kurtley Beale's clash with French pivot and new Sharks recruit Frederic Michalak will be a highlight.

ROUND 12
Bulls v Waratahs. No matter if the Bulls have the goods to defend their Super 14 title or not, playing them in Pretoria will always be hard. But the Waratahs will head there knowing that their new attack coach, Todd Louden, who was with the Bulls last year, should have more than a little inside knowledge of the opposition's game plan and mindset.

ROUND 13
Bulls v Brumbies. The Bulls should be well prepared for the Australian style of rugby, having played the Waratahs in the previous round. If the Brumbies are chasing a place in the semi-finals, they should crack this encounter but their young pack will have to win the battle up front.

ROUND 14
Reds v Waratahs. Don't look at the Super 14 ladder when trying to pick a winner in this classic Australian derby. Don't think logically. This game is decided so often by passion on the night.

Rupert Guinness