Super12 2002 - Round Nine

The Reds are on the road in South Africa, and come up against the woeful Cats in Johannesburg. But all the talk this week will be on the clash of the titans, as the Brumbies travel to Sydney to play the Waratahs.

Waratahs v Brumbies @ Sydney

In a match that will smash last weekend's record crowd for an Australian Super12 fixture, the Waratahs and Brumbies will each seek to press their claims for a semifinal spot. Defeat for the Brumbies would see them crash to their third straight loss, while the Waratahs will be searching for that one extra victory that should seal a first ever appearance in the Super12 semifinals. This match could go either way, but the Waratahs - whilst outstanding in attack - have looked a little vulnerable in defence when their opponents have managed to apply sustained pressure. If there's one team in the competition that does that week in and week out, it's the Brumbies. And for that reason, I think they might win in what will probably be a high scoring game. With Wallaby spots on the line this year, expect every player to lift and play some top shelf rugby.

Brumbies by 8.

Cats v Reds @ Johannesburg

Unlike the Sharks (who have improved), the Stormers (who have been unlucky), and the Bulls (who are always rubbish), the Cats are a class team that has completely lost its way because of injury and the loss of Laurie Mains to the Highlanders. The Reds are rampant at the moment, and even though they don't have an especially good record in South Africa, they should be too much for the Cats to handle.

Reds by 14.

The Rest

* Blues v Bulls @ Auckland - Blues by 25.

* Chiefs v Stormers @ Hamilton - Stormers by 14.

* Sharks v Crusaders @ Durban - Sharks by 5.

- Dan Fowell