It's not exactly like the final of Pop Idol, but the final weekend of round robin fixtures in the Super 14, is sure to throw up its weight of tension, excitement and the odd high-waistline. It may also be curtains for the current format as we know it, so enjoy it while it lasts...Blues v Hurricanes
Jerry Collins has played the biggest Alex Ferguson underdog card, dropping in that it's far from ideal timing to play the Blues. who are a long shot for the semi-finals. The 'Canes should be OK for a home semi-final providing they win as Colin Cooper's boys have enjoyed their recent visits to Eden Park. To their advantage, both sides have excellent an points differential - the best of the remaining hopefuls.
Prediction: Blues to win by 3 points.
Force v Brumbies
Tribal bragging rights are at stake, not to mention being the Aussie Super 14 runners-up. The Force face the unwelcome prospect of losing to every Australian side and Matt Giteau will be desperate to impress going up against his old-boys, and with Robbie Deans giving his directors final cut to the Wallaby squad. So watch out for David Pocock, Geroge Smith, Cameron Shepherd and Mark Gerrard smashing into each other - should be fun!
Prediction: Force to win by 5 points.
Crusaders v Highlanders
Dan Carter's back at fly-half so there's no danger with the scoreline, especially given the table toppers are at home. Reuben Thorne will equal Anton Oliver's 127 record Super 14 caps. Naughty boy, Jimmy Cowan has been benched by the Highlanders, for whom Craig Newby plays his last game before setting sail for the sunny climates of Leicestershire.
Prediction: Crusaders to win by 20 points
Reds v Waratahs
The Reds would love nothing more than to kill their rivals chances of making the semi-finals. Chris Latham's absence doesn't help their cause and the Tahs will be keen to keep Morgan Turinui quiet for he has been in scintillating form. Ewen McKenzie could really answer all of his critics (his employers) by taking the Tahs to the play-offs, especially with a home draw before he packs his bags.
Prediction: Waratahs to win by 12 points.
Lions v Stormers
The Stormers will have the extra luxury of knowing exactly what they need to do to make the semi-finals on Saturday, although a four-try victory is the minimum target. The Stormers scrum was torn to pieces by the Waratahs front-row last week, so Brian Mujati and Heinke van der Merwe will be tearing each other limb from limb for the slightest ascendancy.
Prediction: Stormrs by 14 points.
Bulls v Cheetahs
These two contested are old Currie Cup foes and even though nothing's really at stake, the Cheetahs don't want the wooden spoon and South African stubborness should pull through. Meyer Bosman vs. Wynand Olivier is a good bet of where to keep your eyes while Jongi Nowke could be Bryan Habana's partner on the Springbok wing cum the Tri-Nations.
Prediction: Bulls to win by 8 points.
Sharks v Chiefs
A lot has got to go the way of the Chiefs if they are to make the semi-finals, but the Sharks need a win, preferably a five-pointer to guarantee a prolonged season. If Ryan Kankowski and Jacques Botes continue scoring tries for fun and eating up everything at the breakdown but while most sides would dream of a Sharks back-row, the same can be said of a Chiefs back-three. Lelia Masaga, Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu would fit into any team.
Prediction: Sharks to win by 5 points.