Prolific Blues winger Mark Telea leaves his Highlanders counterpart, Jona Nareki, in his wake during a Super Rugby Pacific match at Eden Park last Friday. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Blues v Waratahs
The oil: The Blues have won eight straight against the Waratahs, including a 55-21 tonking earlier this season. Ten wins for the Blues this season against just six for the Waratahs.
Key men: Blockbusting winger Mark Telea has nine tries in his last eight games for the Blues, and an obscene 1502m in carries this season. Akira Ioane might want to choose about now to discover some top form. The Waratahs will need booming performances from star forwards Michael Hooper and Jed Holloway.
Meikle’s pick: The Blues were pretty average last week but should have far too much class. They win 43-26.
Chiefs v Reds
The oil: Runaway leaders against a team that could beat neither the Highlanders nor the Drua. Chiefs rested half their team last week and still won in Perth, and they will be keen to ride home advantage all the way to their first championship since 2013.
Key men: The Chiefs are as stacked as it comes, so take your pick from backline general Damian McKenzie, lethal fullback Shaun Stevenson and rugged loosie Luke Jacobson. The Reds have potentially the most destructive ball-runner on the park in No8 Harry Wilson.
Meikle’s pick: They rule State of Origin, but the men in maroon will not have fun in Hamilton. Chiefs 54-14.
Crusaders v Fijian Drua
The oil: Go the Drua.
Key men: Leicester Fainga’anuku has been utterly destructive for the Crusaders, while Codie Taylor is so dangerous close to the line, Tom Christie is a defensive machine and Richie Mo’unga is all class at this level. Dazzling centre Iosefo Masi leads the Drua with nine tries, and Frank Lomani is an energetic halfback.
Meikle’s pick: Let us all pray. Because the Fijians will need it. Sadly, the Crusaders win 48-17.
Brumbies v Hurricanes
The oil: Finally, a quarterfinal that is not so easy to pick. The Brumbies had a quietly excellent season, and are really the only non-Kiwi hope of winning this competition. They only lost to the Hurricanes by five points in Wellington, too. Canes fans lament the inconsistency of their team, but can still see a lot of star power on the park.
Key men: Rob Valetini is at the heart of the Brumbies pack, and Tom Wright is a metre-eater at fullback. Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea are the big guns for the Canes, but look for rising halfback Cam Roigard to take another step up.
Meikle’s pick: I actually have to think about this one. If in doubt, go with a New Zealand team. Hurricanes 28-25.
