Match-by-match guide Friday 21 July

M1 Crusaders v Highlanders: The Crusaders suffered their only defeat of the tournament last weekend when going down in a great clash to the Hurricanes. The Highlanders weren't really tested when they easily beat the Reds in Dunedin last Friday. Both teams pride themselves on forward dominance so there won't be much room for freedom and attractive running rugby in this Super Rugby quarter-final.

M2 Lions v Sharks: Read nothing into their match in Durban last weekend. One got the feeling that neither side was desperate to prove a point. The Lions needed to win to host a possible final, while bizarrely the Sharks needed to lose to avoid going to New Zealand. The match between these two a few months back was a cracker with the Lions prevailing by five points in a high-scoring game. The Lions may edge it again.

M3 Stormers v Chiefs: These two sides met in Cape Town in April and the Stormers managed to win a great match. This should also be a top game with two teams willing to express themselves. Chiefs have been slightly below best but may start to hit their straps now, while the Stormers haven't really kicked on since that win a few months back. It will be close but Chiefs may scrape in.

M4 Griquas v Bulls: Griquas are always good starters in the Currie Cup and should be able to keep the Bulls under John Mitchell at bay. The Bulls are likely to have their fringe players on duty here.

M5 Pumas v Lions: The Pumas should have are fairly strong side to pick from and will challenge what is effectively a Lions second side. The Pumas may take the spoils.

Suggested R240 permutation for the Rugby 5 pool this Friday 21 July (pool closes at 10pm): M1 = 1, 2; M2 = 1, 2; M3 = 1, 4, 5; M4 = 1, 2; M5 = 1, 4.