FRIDAY, MARCH 21

CRUSADERS v NSW WARATAHS at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, 5.35pm

Last meeting: Crusaders 34-33 in Sydney, March 2007
A litmus test for the Waratahs who are three from four this year but who are yet to convince the masses of their title bona fides. Last week's break may have come at a good time after a scratchy win over the Brumbies in round four and the team is reasonably settled, save for still missing winger Timana Tahu (hamstring). Lock Dean Mumm replaces Will Caldwell in the starting XV with ex-Queensland half Josh Valentine coming on to the bench. The Crusaders were in second gear against the Cheetahs but did look vulnerable against the Force a fortnight ago. They'll miss versatile fullback Leon MacDonald (rested) but Scott Hamilton - who moves from wing to No.15 and Caleb Ralph - who'll wear the No.11, are seasoned performers. The Waratahs played arguably their best match against the Crusaders in an otherwise ordinary 2007, going down by a point in Sydney. They'll be competitive but look to be a class below Robbie Deans' troops.
Centrebet: Crusaders $1.18, Waratahs $4.85
Tip: Crusaders by 11

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (capt), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Res: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Paterson, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Caleb Ralph, Sean Maitland.

Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Alfi Mafi, Ben Jacobs, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Brett Sheehan, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Dean Mumm, Matt Dunning, Adam Freier, Sekope Kepu. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Josh Valentine, Sam Harris, Rob Horne, Benn Robinson.

BRUMBIES v CHEETAHS at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm

Last meeting: Cheetahs 38-20 in Bloemfontein, March 2007
The winless Cheetahs were clobbered 55-7 by an under-strength Crusaders machine in Christchurch last weekend but not too much can be read into that as coach Naka Drostke rested eight frontline players, undoubtedly planning to target this match and they were a bit unlucky against the Chiefs. World Cup prop CJ van der Linde likely to return from injury along with their No.1 five eighth Jacques Louis Potgieter but skipper Juan Smith is still out. The youthful Brumbies (2-3) were outmuscled by the Hurricanes last week and need to reclaim their Canberra Stadium mojo this week. The return of Wallaby forwards Guy Shepherdson and Alister Campbell is a help. Plenty of pressure on the young halves pair of Christian Lealiifano and Josh Holmes.
Centrebet: Brumbies $1.35, Cheetahs $3.20
Tip: Brumbies by 10

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Peter Playford, Sanualio Afeaki, Tyrone Smith, Fracis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Josh Holmes, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith (c), Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Peter Kimlin, Salesi Maafu, Huia Edmonds, Nic Henderson. Res: John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Alister Campbell, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Matt Toomua.

Cheetahs: TBA

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

HIGHLANDERS v WESTERN FORCE, at Queenstown Events Centre, 12.30pm

Last meeting: Highlanders 8-7 in Perth, February 2007

After last week ridding themselves of the trans-Tasman monkey that had clung to their back for two years, Western Force confidence is at an all-time high. But the 27-17 win against the Blues came despite an ordinary first half at North Harbour Stadium, and all the talk this week has been for an 80 minute performance against the Highlanders - and they will need it. The Otago side might not have won a match, but all four losses have been by less than seven points, and coach Glenn Moore pointedly referred to his side's ability to fight to the end in this week's build-up. It will take more than stamina to deal with an increasingly impressive Force backline, led by the imperious Matt Giteau and a backrow also showing signs of international form, particularly Richard Brown and Scott Fava - both regaining respect after their off-season "quokka shocker".
Centrebet: Western Force $1.65, Highlanders $2.25
Tip: Force by 7

Highlanders: James Wilson, Paul Williams, Niva Ta'auso, Aaron Bancroft, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Daniel Bowden, Jimmy Cowan, Steven Setephano, Tim Boys, Craig Newby (capt), Tom Donnelly, Hoani MacDonald, Chris King, Jason Macdonald, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: David Hall, Keith Cameron, Hayden Triggs, Adam Thomson, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Brett Mather.

Force: Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, Ryan Cross, Lachlan MacKay, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Chris O'Young, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Tamaiti Horua, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Tom Hockings, AJ Whalley, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Res: Luke Holmes, Troy Takiari, Sam Wykes, Scott Fava, James Stannard, Scott Daruda, Nick Cummins.

BLUES v STORMERS at Eden Park, Auckland at 3.30pm

Last meeting: Stormers 33-20, in Cape Town, April 2007

The Blues looked badly jetlagged when overrun by the Western Force last weekend and need to be on their guard against an improving Stormers looking for a third straight road win. Much will depend on five eighth Nick Evans' recovery from concussion which forced him off against the Force as he's the Blues' general, bringing organisation to a brilliant backline. New coach Rassie Erasmus' Stormers were underrated after a tough start against top sides but they've got plenty of talent and enterprise. Their loose forwards Schalk Burger and Luke Watson will provide a stern test for the Blues' big boppers but the Blues should have too much all round firepower.
Centrebet: Blues $1.35, Stormers $3.20
Tip: Blues by 5

Blues: George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Nick Evans, Danny Lee, Nick Evans, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell (capt), Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Nick White. Res: Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock, Bryn Evans, Justin Collins, Taniela Moa, Ben Atiga, Joe Rokocoko.

Stormers: TBA

CHIEFS v BULLS in Rotorua at 5.35pm

Last meeting: Bulls 30-27, in Pretoria, February 2007

The Bulls will be a chastened and angry herd after being whopped 40-8 by the desperate Reds which left the defending champions with a worrying 2-3 record this season and prompted a two hour crisis meeting. The usually-fearsome Bulls pack doesn't seem so scary without Victor Matfield despite Bakkies Botha's best efforts and a shoulder injury to 2007 world player of the year Bryan Habana is a further worry. Then again no team can find ways to lose despite their talent better than the Chiefs who have a backline injury crisis of their own. Centre Richard Kahui and flier Sosene Anesi are out and Sitiveni Sivivatu looks doubtful.
Centrebet: Chiefs $1.45, Bulls $2.75
Tip: Chiefs by 7

Chiefs: Mils Muliaina (capt), Lelia Masaga, Dwayne Sweeney, Callum Bruce, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Simms Davison. Res: Aled de Malmanche, Ben May, Jay Williams, Faifili Levave, David Bason, Murray Williams, Roimata Hansell-Pune.

Bulls: TBA

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

LIONS v QUEENSLAND REDS in Johannesburg at 2am

Last meeting: Lions 26-20, in Brisbane, March 2007

The Reds begin their South African tour in a buoyant mood after a confidence-boosting 40-8 home win over defending champions the Bulls. With the return of sometime Wallabies five-eighth Berrick Barnes to the side, albeit at inside centre, the backline that laid on a rare-bonus point win should be more potent still. The 12th placed Lions are nothing flash but impressed coach Eugene Eloff enough in a narrow loss to the second placed Sharks last week for him not to tinker with the team for the Reds clash. Importantly, Queensland coach Phil Mooney is not getting carried away with the last start victory. Assuming his players are of the same mindset there's no reason why they can't produce back-to-back wins.
Centrebet: Lions $1.85, Reds $1.97
Tip: Reds by 5

Lions: TBA

Reds: Chris Latham, Clinton Schifcofske, Morgan Turinui, Berrick Barnes, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper, Sam Cordingley (c), Leroy Houston, Poutasi Luafutu, John Roe, James Horwill, Van Humphries, Dayna Edwards, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Res: Stephen Moore, Rodney Blake, Ed O'Donoghue, David Croft, Ben Lucas, Brando Va'aulu, Scott Higginbotham

AAP