Super12 2002 - Round Seven

The Waratahs and Brumbies have the bye this week, so it is up to the Reds to wave the flag in their crunch match against the Stormers.

Reds v Stormers

The Reds and the Stormers - on the first leg of their away series of games - are, after five matches, just about as even as two sides can be. They have both won two matches, and lost three. They have both scored 125 points, and while the Stormers have conceded 114 points, the Reds have conceded 117. They both have secured three bonus points, and as such both sides sit mid-table with eleven competition points each.

It is obvious, therefore, that this game is a "must win" for both teams. The Stormers have performed reasonably at home, and will be looking for a victory to kick-start their overseas campaign. The Reds, having lost to the Hurricanes last weekend in a match that they would have expected to win, realise that defeat this weekend may end their chances of making the semis, given the intense competition for those top four spots.

This is one of those games that could go either way, but the Stormers may give the Reds backline a little more room to breathe. Expect Wendell to score his first Super12 try.

Reds by 7.

Waratahs

Bye.

Reds

Bye.

The Rest

After tipping zero from four last week, I have no business at all foisting my opinions on anyone. Nevertheless, I'll have another crack.

* Highlanders v Hurricanes @ Dunedin - Highlanders by 10.

* Crusaders v Bulls @ Christchurch - Crusaders by 30.

* Sharks v Blues @ Durban - Sharks by 5.

* Cats v Chiefs @ Bloemfontein - Cats by 8.

- Dan Fowell