Predictions: Super Rugby semi-finals
It is that time of the week when we put our heads on the chopping block with Planet Rugby's predictions.
Just the two games for our writer to cover but they're huge contests with the Crusaders and Chiefs kicking us off in Christchurch before the Lions and Hurricanes clash in the second Super Rugby semi-final.
Let's see how he sees them playing out…
Crusaders v Chiefs
The Crusaders won in May as they ran out 31-24 victors in Suva. And last weekend showed Scott Robertson's side is built for all conditions as a masterclass of wet weather rugby saw them dominate the Highlanders. Low on entertainment, yes, but it was beautiful in its own right.
They will need to produce that sort of rugby again this week and their pack is so confident in what it is doing it's difficult to see the Chiefs coming out on top in Christchurch, especially after having to travel from New Zealand to South Africa and back again in two weeks.
The Crusaders look the real deal at the moment and having Ryan Crotty back at inside centre is a big reason why, with his organisation in defence and experience clearly helping young duo Richie Mo'unga and Jack Goodhue. Bryn Hall was also excellent last week but again anyone will tell you that 17-0 win was built on an outstanding forward effort which, of course, is boosted by Kieran Read's presence at the base.
The Chiefs meanwhile did not bring their A game to Newlands but captain Aaron Cruden knows ugly rugby is not a problem if you are winning. Anything but an excellent performance from him and his fellow All Black backs won't be enough to beat this Crusaders side, but we feel it's the pack where they fall short and despite showing flashes of brilliance this weekend, we expect this to be the end of the Dave Rennie era. Crusaders to win by nine.
Lions v Hurricanes
A repeat of last year's final takes place, this time in Johannesburg, as the Lions look to get revenge over this dangerous Hurricanes side. The final in Wellington was impacted somewhat by the rain but expect ideal conditions this time around, which is great news for spectators.
On form the Hurricanes enter the more confident side after their win at the Brumbies while the Lions were disappointing last week against the Sharks and are lucky to be running out again this season. But, here they are, and they will be driven to right a great deal of wrongs.
Elton Jantjies won't need anyone telling him that kicking performance will cost them a place in the final and he, like everyone associated with the Lions, hope it was a freak afternoon. We also expect that wing Ruan Combrinck will have been practicing more than usual this week.
For the Hurricanes it's been a blessing having Jordie Barrett grow and grow as the season has worn on and he shows no signs of feeling the pressure, which is good news for Chris Boyd and also brother Beauden as it allows him to focus on other areas alongside leader TJ Perenara.
The pace of the game will be frantic and Jaco Kriel versus Ardie Savea already whets the appetite and will have a big say in who wins the match. We just feel the visiting side will have the edge and pull away against a Lions team that's yet to face Kiwi opposition. Hurricanes by 15.