MATCH-BY-MATCH GUIDE Friday 13 Oct

M1 Bulls v Pumas: The winner of this match makes the semifinals while the season is over for the loser. The Bulls would consider their season a failure if they cannot make the last four. John Mitchell has added some mettle to the side and one can expect a handful of Springboks returning to the side. The Pumas would love to upstage the Bulls and end their campaign, but it does look unlikely and class could prevail.

M2 Leinster v Montpellier: Montpellier have started the French Top 14 with a lot of promise despite some crucial injuries. Leinster are often hard to beat at home, but may struggle to hold off a good side, especially they have travelled back from South Africa.

M3 Sharks v Western Province: It would not surprise if these teams meet in the final in Durban in a fortnight from now. Both teams are in the semi-finals, although Western province are by no means certain to have a home semi after losing to the Lions. Neither team will break a neck to welcome back Springboks and neither team will want to expose their hand. Play wide. Anything can happen.

M4 Racing Metro 92 v Leicester: Two European giants meet in France so to pick the winner is tricky. Both teams have had uncharacteristically bad starts to their seasons, but both have too much quality to be in slow form for too long. Metro may have better players, but Leicester know how to win close games. Again, play wide.

M5 Lions v Cheetahs: The Cheetahs may have had their third-choice side over the last six weeks but with the Pro 14 taking a two-week hiatus, they could welcome back some vital players. The Lions have stuttered through the Currie Cup season, but beat Western Province on Sunday and could secure a home semi-final if they win this and Sharks win. Check the teams before making a decision in this fixture.

Suggested R180 perm for the Rugby 5 pool this Friday 13 October (pool closes 19:00): M1 = 2; M2 = 4; M3 = 1, 3; M4 = 1, 3, 4; M5 = 1, 3, 4.