Rudolph’s form guide

Friday 9.35am Wellington Hurricanes v Sunwolves

The Sunwolves deserve some credit for making the Crusaders looking average despite going down 33-11, while the Hurricanes, fresh from a bye, would be hungry to regain the top Kiwi spot. Prediction: Canes by 20.

5.15pm Newlands Stormers v Rebels The Stormers may have lost all six of their away matches this season, but remain a tough nut to crack at home, winning three from three at Newlands. The Rebels are expected to slow down the pace like they did at Loftus, they might have to wait longer for their first win on SA soil. Prediction: Stormers by 11. Saturday 7.05am Brisbane Reds v Lions The Lions are on a high, but that means teams would start bracing themselves physically for a side like the Reds who are in a losing slump. The Lions should nonetheless be in a class of their own. Prediction: Lions by 15.

9.35m Auckland Blues v Jaguares The Jaguares have secured great consecutive wins against the Rebels and Brumbies on Aussie soil and could be a real threat for the worst Kiwi side, who went down 34-16 to the Highlanders last weekend.

Prediction: Jaguares by five 11.45am Canberra Brumbies v Crusaders After going down 25-20 to the Jaguares last weekend the Brumbies aren’t high on confidence while the Crusaders would be frustrated after managing a 22-point win over the Sunwolves but being denied playing their natural game.

Prediction: Crusaders by 13. 5.15pm Loftus Bulls v Highlanders No wise man would bet against the home side carrying on with their great form in Pretoria, but then they will have to counter the brilliance of Highlanders captain, fullback Ben Smith and destructive wing Waisake Naholo. Prediction: Bulls by eight. Byes: Chiefs, Sharks, Waratahs.