This week the Blues have the buy, along with the Cheetahs.  Blues will be hoping that iron man Luke McAlister can get his split-ends repaired before the next round, so they can get the over priced show pony on the field.  Fingers crossed, in all seriousness that he does get back into action soon though, as the Blues need some experience back on the field, and Luke would be ideal to fill the 12 shirt, bringing that experience to the field.  Blues would like to get qa few more of their iron men back on deck too - Anthony Tuitavake would be another welcomed back with open arms, but these blokes in the Blues seem to be made of crystal at the moment.

Week five though, some good games coming up for the Kiwi sides - the local derby on Friday should be a cracker, and then the two sides in the republic, both spanked last week, and if they are not on the boil, it will be another couple of ticks in the 'L' column come Monday morning, and another black weekend with the only Kiwi side with a win being that that won over another Kiwi side (the Crusaders, one would think)..

Anyway, lets move on, to the draw, the coin tosses, and my wild guesses...

Week 5 (byes Cheetahs, Blues)

Friday 12th March
Chiefs v Crusaders  :  Hamilton  :  7:35pm
Wowsers, Chiefs and Crusaders could both, should both, be sitting undefeated heading into this battle.  However, both were spanked by, of all teams, the bloody REDS.  True, the REds are looking a vastly improved side from last year, but, the REDS.  You beat the Reds, that is what you do.  But no longer - the Reds should in fact be 3 from 4, but for being muppets and not knowing how to win against the Waratahs.  If that game was played this weekend, the Reds would slaughter the Tahs.  This weekend though, the Chiefs hosting the perennial hard to beat bastards, the Crusaders.  Last weeks loss to the Reds might be the tonic they needed to harden up for this match.  Had they gone into this game unbeaten, they would have been setting up nicely for the fall.  The Reds may have done them a favour.  The Crusaders though are looking ominous.  McCaw now in his third game back, Carter starting to run the show, a forward pack chock full of All Blacks, and their standard business like backline, with potential star Fruen starting to realise his potential.  Shit, I hope the Chiefs don't read this, as after I re read that I don't think the Chiefs really have a bloody chance in this game!  But these are the games the Chiefs love to win - the games their fans write them off in.  Sooo, fingers crossed, heart saying "Chiefs", head saying "piss off Noddy, Crusaders in a canter"...
Bart's tip:  Crusaders, almost having to raise a sweat
Coin's tip:  Crusaders.

Waratahs v Lions  :  Sydney  :  9:40pm
Lions are not as horrible as in past seasons, and are probably a more exciting team this year than the Warrabores.  That though, is not saying a lot, as watching paint dry on growing grass is more exciting than watching the 'Bores too...  I think that the team that manages to stay awake longest will take this match, meaning the home town heroes will add another tick to their seasons tally of wins.
Bart's tip:  Warrabores quite easily.
Coin's tip:  Safe option too - Waratahs.

Saturday 13th March
Brumbies v Sharks  :  Canberra  :  9:40pm
The Sharks, who could be batting .500 (2/4) but for some shonky reffing and a bit of luck.  But thanks to the shit official Marks, who has now been stood down for constant shitness, they are 0/4.  After this game, they'll be 0/5.  It will be another close one though, but often teams get into a rut, and if the game is going to be close, they'll come out on the wrong side of the ledger.  I am afraid that is what will happen here to the once were mighty Sharks.
Bart's tip:  Brumbies to sneak in.
Coin's tip:  Sharks to snatch the win.

Sunday 14th March
Bulls v Highlanders  :  Pretoria  :  4:05am
Highlanders have been out on the piss all week, they'll get smashed to pieces.  That is all.
Bart's tip:  The Highlanders might pick up a wicket or two this week, unlike last week when the Stormers went to the first drinks break at 33-0, but their bowling as as bad as a hybrid of Tim Southee, Daryl Tuffey and James 'I don't know why he's in the team' Franklin, so maybe not.
Bart's tip:  Slaugher of the Highlanders, another Culloden.
Coin't tip:  Ditto, Bulls.

Stormers v Hurricanes  :  Cape Town  :  6:10am
The Horrocanes have to win one game on tour, and this is the most likely.  But after last weeks less than convincing performance, well, expect another.  Should be a little more backbone to the team with some returning players, but different year, same garbage from the 'Canes.
Bart's tip:  Stormers by not too much.
Coin's tip:  Stormers too!

Reds v Western Force  :  7:30pm
Reds, this years surprise package at home against the Western Farce.  Can't wait until the Rebels arrive and further dilute the Aussie rugby talent puddle, we'll really get some cracker games then...
Bart's tip:  Reds to keep on their winning ways against the poor Force outfit.
Coin's tip:  Reds at home.