Form guide week five

Tomorrow 8.05am Dunedin Highlanders v Rebels

The Highlanders were out of sorts last week against the Crusaders, but it didn’t go much better for the Rebels when their defence was exposed against the Sharks. The homeground advantage will be key.

Prediction: Highlanders by 12.

10.15am Sydney Waratahs v Lions

The ’Tahs have been poor, losing all three games before their recent bye, so they will be fired up to break the drought. And the Lions will be keen to start their tour well, so it could turn out to be a battle of attrition.

Prediction: Lions by 7.

Saturday 5.45am Napier Hurricanes v Sunwolves

After the Wolves were smashed by the Reds last week, another long day could await them but one can assume their defence will be sharper, but the Canes should still have an easy day at the office. Prediction: Hurricanes by 20.

10.15am Brisbane Reds v Sharks

The Reds secured their first win last week, but the Sunwolves hardly served as proper opposition. The Sharks will be targeting a third win on tour which would be a dream turnaround for them before heading home.

Prediction: Sharks by 8.

3.05pm Newlands Stormers v Blues

The home team were very conservative last week against the Jaguares and will be aiming for a fifth straight win, while the Blues were probably lucky to get away with a win the previous week against the Bulls at Loftus.

Prediction: Stormers by 17.

5.15pm Loftus Bulls v Jaguares

If the Bulls were desperate for a win last week, they will be even more so this week to avoid a fourth straight defeat but they will have to produce a more clinical show against a Jaguares side keen on picking up some points from their tour.

Prediction: Bulls by 6. Byes: Brumbies, Chiefs, Crusaders.