Whoops, a bit late with my tips again this weekend - bloody Easter and people not staying dead when they should...

Some fifty fifty selections this week, as the results have shown - writing this pre the Sunday matches, and my personal picks were shafted by the Reds getting up over the Bulls - well done those men!!

Last weeks results see Donsteppa keeping his 4 pick lead over True Blue, 2 further back to Ming, and NTA showing that front rowers can't pick to save themselves...

The Tips...

The Mingster
Blues v Force
McAlister is back at pivot, and should add a stronger long kicking game than Nacewa. Williams and Woodcock have been demoted, and it will be interesting to see how the North Shore lad Boric goes at lock on his debut. Force is still yet to register a win, and I highly doubt it will be on Friday. Blues 41-9
Crusaders v Cheetahs
Chiefs v Stormers
Reds v Bulls
Cats v Sharks
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Injuries have bothered the Highlanders for the whole season, and the list just goes on with Ryan ruled out for 6 months. Callum Bruce has struggled with the pace and intensity of Super rugby, and has failed to ignite his backs compared to Evans. Umaga is back for this clash, and will just add to an inform Canes backline. Hurricanes should be too strong, Canes 38-15.
Waratahs v Brumbies

True Blue
Blues v The Force
The Force are gaining in confidence and competence with every game they play and I expect they will break their duck against the Cats in the Republic, and by doing so avoid the wooden spoon. But this weekend the oppo are the Blues at Eden Park, still in the race for a play-off berth and hungry for log points.
Crusaders v Cheetahs
The Cheetahs had something of a reality check at the hands of the Brumbies last weekend and have now realised that the S14 is a step up from the Currie Cup. Unfortunately for them, it gets worse.
Chiefs v The Stormers
The Stormers have finally got rid of Barry and have harnessed, for the first time this season, the premier center pair in the country together for the game against the Chiefs. Slammin’ Sam v de Villiers, Luaki v Burger to name but a few. The Stormers are due, but not against the Chiefs fresh from holding off the Bulls last weekend.
Reds v Bulls
Bulls will be too much for the travel weary Reds who struggled so much to beat the vomit comet Cats last weekend. Wouldn’t want to be Rodney Blake on Saturday as Jaco Engels will be riding him like a fat little pony.
Cats v Sharks
Beating the Cats at Ellis Park is crucial to the Sharks maintaining their mathematical outside chance of a shot at the playoffs, and they will be targeting this game as a five pointer. Hard to see the Cats preventing this outcome.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Despite the early promise shown by the Highlanders, the season has been something of a disappointment for the Clan, while the Hurricanes have been on the right side of every bouncing ball that comes their way. Can’t see the south islanders keeping up with the Rod and Jerry show.
Waratahs v Brumbies
Could go either way, but the Brumbies will shade it.

Nick the Aussie
Blues to beat Force by 17.
If the Blues are in any way serious about having a crack at the finals, only a very convincing win will do here and they have the cattle and counterattack to give the Westralians a hiding.
Crusaders to smash the Cheetahs senseless - call it 30 points for a margin
No explanation required.
Chiefs to topple Stormers by 14
The Stormers are poo and even with Damp Bazza out (which would improve their chances) they don't appear capable of anything bar the odd intercept try and penalty goals.
Bulls to steal a win against the Reds by 5
The Bulls still don't seem to get what this tournament is about, and who can blame them? Much easier to simply grind the oppo pack to dust and wait for Habana to pick up a loose ball and race off to score. They'll get a confident, but tired, Reds unit coming back from Safferland with only a win over the Cats to show for their efforts
Sharks to smack the Cats by 12
Any day of the week. It'll be an ugly one - local derbies usually are - but the Sharks have too much class for the woeful Cats whose coach has been described has Hans Ludecrous on the forum...
Hurricanes to beat the Clan by 15
The Canes have shown, despite their poor reputation, to have a workable tight five, and combined with their back row and a mostly class backline will give the clumsy Clanburgers a tonking. The only thing in the Clan's favour is last week's narrow win over the Force. If THAT doesn't convince the coaching staff to give them a week of thrashings at training, nothing will.
Waratahs to beat the Brumbies by 3
This is going to be a heck of a tussle and whether Rogers plays or not, I think the Tahs forwards have the weapons to deal with the Brumbies up front and control the game. Failure to do so will release the Brumbies backs and place enormous pressure on the Tahs' defence. Despite all the calls from ex-players (like Poido) for last year's grindfest to be avoided, I don't give a crap if its more boring than the Cheetahs' game in Sydney - this Tahs fan will take a 3-0 victory thanks.

Donsteppa
Always dangerous picking these things before the team lists come in, but the $2 Crystal Ball has gotten away with it so far:
Blues vs Force
Blues to win it. The Force might win a gaime this year but I don't think this is the one.
Crusaders vs Cheetahs.
Crusaders will win it comfortably. Just how comfotably depends on who they rest.
Chiefs vs Stormers
Chiefs. Just. Time for Messam to step up if Lauaki is out. Time for Donald not to play like a moron yet again...
Reds vs Bulls
Closest game of the round for mine... *mentally tosses a coin* - Bulls to win a close one.
Cats vs Sharks
Can't see the Cats winning again this year, the Sharks to win a close one.
Highlanders vs Hurricanes
Hurricanes comfortably.
Warratahs vs Brumbies
Should be a good close game to watch, with the Tah's taking the points for a win.