The All Blacks return impact, will be the big talking point. The Kiwi and Saffer teams dominating the log, so lets see if they will have the big impact everyone is claiming. My thoughts is the Blues way is the correct way of handling this, but I maybe wrong. This round the Stormers play their last game aboard and the Bulls still have the Hurricanes to play, before heading home. The Cheetahs have a bye and are on their way with the last trump card, the Sharks to follow. Luckily the Sharks and Cheetahs are good travellers and strangely play their best rugby away from home.

In round 8 we have 1 Kiwi vs Aus, 1 SA vs Aus and 3 delicious Kiwi vs SA battles.

Blues vs Waratahs
Only one outcome in this one and a run away victory for the Blues. No need to waste space on this one. Blues by 17+

Clan vs Bulls
This one is the battle of the forwards. The Bulls picked four props in their starting lineup and this mean only one thing. They respect the Clan forwards and want to take them on at their strong point. We see the returning of Frikkie Welsch and the backs maybe the deciding factor in this game. Being at home I predict a Clan victory, only just. Clan -12

Crusaders vs Stormers
Shame. Take a look at the Saders team sheet and a full All Black team appears. Add to it,  the Stormers last touring game make things even worst. They use to loose the last ones handsomely. Usually when things look like this the Stormers standup and fight. Sorry not this time. Saders by a plenty 17+

Reds vs Chiefs
This game is the perfect change for the Chiefs to get some road points. They lost the SA ones but still get points enough to keep them in the running. This one a must win game for them and they have to outphys the Reds. Chiefs 12+

Sharks vs Brumbies
The Brumbies have Larken back but that wont be enough. The Sharks are on a roll and they will put a even bigger score then the Cheetahs up against the Brumbies. Sharks by 17+

Lions vs Hurricanes
The Hurricanes and the Lions in a must win situation. They’ll have those stars back and a big forward and loose battle looms. The Lions on home territory and in bad form. They’ll pick themselves up from the scares in Kiwi country and will take this one. Only just. Lions by -9

So it maybe a mix bag again. Sorry Aus no Force this week . Saturdays viewing between the cricket and rugby will also be difficult. Will be a bit easier if things go wrong in the one to watch the other one and no time for braaing. Good luck to the Proteas.