Another round, another upset, but was it really? Most of our tipsters picked the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika to win, but the Reds and Highlanders were having none of it.
Two of our Gore tipsters, Michael Vetters and Zac Andrews, were the only two to nail all six games — great work.
The Hurricanes bounced back and were all over the Waratahs like a rampant rash, winning 41-12.
The Blues pack demolished the Rebels 38-11 in the close quarters and were just irrepressible on the drive close to the line.
I stuck with the Landers and even though they played the game in the Pacific Ocean rather than at the ground, they swam their way to a remarkable 28-17 victory in Tonga, with Cam Miller standing up to be counted.
The Crusaders struggled out of the blocks, and the Reds capitalised with a 33-28 win, proving they will be a force in the playoffs.
The Chiefs predictably crushed the Force 56-7 in a bullying display.
The Drua are improving away from home and made the Brumbies work hard for the eight-point win. I have a feeling the Drua will make the eight comfortably.
Shane from GWD’s is still 4 points clear of Richard In’gills best grocer at the top of the table.
But Gumboots best builder Simon Culhane, was the superstar of the week – great work mate!!
So, what happens this weekend?
Moana Pasifika are back in Auckland and take on the Chiefs and that will be one-way traffic – Chiefs (13+) by a margin.
The Reds (12-) after coming off the high will suffer some jet lag, but will do enough to beat the Rebels at home.
In the game of the season, the table toppers square off, with the Blues hosting the Canes. They are the two best packs in the competition so that will be a draw.
I’m thinking the Hurricanes (12-) will have the edge in the backs but it will be oh so close.
In the really important game, the Highlanders are hosting the Crusaders in Dunedin. Even though I am sick of saying it, the loser will not make the eight! The Highlanders (12-) will win this game if they can hold their own at scrum time, if not, that could be all she wrote. The Crusaders are not doing enough, and this is our chance to beat them for a change.
The Waratahs are up against the Brumbies (13+) in Sydney and again, it’s one way.
In Perth, the Force take on the Drua (13+). It’s time for the Drua to put on an exclamation performance and seal that spot.
- By Paul Dwyer
