Predictions: Super Rugby, Aviva Premiership and more
Super Rugby continues this weekend with round six as the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders in the standout contest.
There is also Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14 action as the domestic competitions in the northern hemisphere start to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
SUPER RUGBY
Sunwolves v Chiefs
Preview: The Chiefs will be looking for their third successive win when they visit the Sunwolves at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Prediction: The Sunwolves’ woes against New Zealand opposition will continue. Chiefs by 15.
Hurricanes v Highlanders
Preview: After an impressive start to their season, the Highlanders face a tough challenge when they take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.
Prediction: There should be plenty of thrilling action between two evenly matched teams but home ground advantage will be crucial. Hurricanes to win by five points.
Stormers v Reds
Preview: Having emerged triumphant over three successive weeks, this game against the Stormers will be another stern examination of the Reds’ capabilities.
Prediction: As good as the Reds were defensively against the Jaguares, the hosts should be slightly more clinical than the Argentineans. Stormers by 5.
Jaguares v Lions
Preview: It’s bottom versus top in the South Africa Conference on Saturday as the Jaguares and Lions conclude the round at Estadio José Amalfitani.
Prediction: Expect the visitors to come away with the points in what should be a fast and frantic contest in Buenos Aires. Lions by eight.
PREMIERSHIP
Bath v Exeter Chiefs: Exeter by 5
London Irish v Gloucester: Gloucester by 6
Sale Sharks v Worcester Warriors: Sale by 12
Saracens v Harlequins: Saracens by 18
Newcastle Falcons v Northampton Saints: Newcastle by 9
Leicester Tigers v Wasps: Leicester by 3
PRO14
Connacht v Edinburgh: Edinburgh by 4
Glasgow v Zebre: Glasgow by 20
Dragons v Cheetahs: Cheetahs by 7
Southern Kings v Benetton: Kings by 6
Cardiff Blues v Ulster: Cardiff by 8
Munster v Scarlets: Munster by 8
Ospreys v Leinster: Leinster by 10
TOP 14
La Rochelle v Bordeaux-Begles: La Rochelle by 12
Stade Francais v Toulouse: Toulouse by 4
Brive v Agen: Brive by 8
Pau v Oyonnax: Pau by 10
Montpellier v Castres: Montpellier by 9
Toulon v Clermont Auvergne: Toulon by 6
Lyon v Racing 92: Lyon by 4