Super12 2002 - Round Ten

Three Aussie teams in the Top Four. But will it last? Three tough matches this round will put the Waratahs, Brumbies and Reds to the test.

Brumbies v Highlanders @ Canberra

For so long, a tip for the Brumbies has been a given in just about any match-up. But three defeats in succession has planted the seeds of doubt in the average punter's mind. Both teams have won five, both started the season strongly, and both have lost some form (and some matches) in recent rounds. This could go either way. Byron Kelleher always troubles George Gregan, and if he manages to do so this week, then the Brumbies' backline won't see as much quality ball. Which is a worry, because they've had plenty of quality ball recently and have had trouble getting over the line. This game may well be decided by penalty goals, and for the Brumbies to have any chance at all, Andrew Walker will need to find some form with the boot (and in general play, for that matter). If this was being played at the House of Pain, I suspect the Highlanders would run away with it. But the Brumbies at home...I'm not going to give up on them just yet. It would be just like them, when the chips are down and people are starting to doubt them, to produce an absolutely awesome display of precision rugby this week.

Brumbies by 10.

Waratahs v Hurricanes @ Sydney

The Waratahs are on a roll, no doubt about it, but the Hurricanes' backline will test their nerve this week. Rogers on Cullen. Burke on Umaga. Staniforth on Lomu. Some truly outstanding games within the game will be played out on Saturday night. Both backlines are dynamic, and can create something out of nothing. They may well neutralise each other in the broader context of the match, though I feel the Waratahs have the upper hand at scrum half and fly half, with both Whitaker and McRae having career years. That leaves the forwards, and though the Hurricanes' pack was impressive against the Brumbies, so too was the Waratahs' pack. I think we may have the edge in that department.

Waratahs by 14.

Reds v Sharks @ Durban

This should be an absolute cracker of a game. Both teams started the season slowly (especially the Sharks), and both have run into some form. Though the Sharks will be mighty hard to defeat at home in Durban, I think the Reds' forwards will be packing too much heat for the Sharks, and with Tune and Latham in such outstanding form, they shouldn't have too much difficulty getting over the line. The dark horse in this contest, though, is Elton Flatley. If Flatley is omitted due to injury, the Reds could be in trouble, because back-up fly half Andrew Scotney is neither the kicker nor play maker that Flatley is.

Reds by 8.

The Rest

* Blues v Stormers @ Auckland - Blues by 10.

* Cats v Crusaders @ Johannesburg - Crusaders by 25.

* Chiefs v Bulls @ Hamilton - Chiefs by 15.

- Dan Fowell