Super12 2002 - Semifinals

An Australian team will be in the semifinals, and their opponent will be from New Zealand - that much we know. Will the Brumbies continue to rediscover form and brush aside the Waratahs in Sydney? Can pride lift the Waratahs to an unlikely victory? And can anyone stop the Crusaders?

Crusaders v Highlanders @ Christchurch

The Crusaders are in superb form at the moment, but the Waratahs did them no favours in effectively supplying only schoolboy opposition. In many respects, the Crusaders will have to treat last week as if it were a bye, as the Highlanders, though troubled with injury, will prove much sterner opposition. But in the end, that will not be enough. The Crusaders are proving to be an irresistible force this year, and that shouldn't change this weekend.

Crusaders by 15.

Waratahs v Brumbies @ Sydney

Exactly how much heart do the Waratahs possess? Not much, on the strength of their performance against the Crusaders. Of course, we know they're better than that, but have they got the courage to go out and prove it just a week after their most appalling defeat ever? And against a side of the calibre of the Brumbies? I don't think so, though they will be gallant in defeat.

Brumbies by 10.

- Dan Fowell