The final round of Super Rugby’s regular season kicks off this weekend and although the makeup of the playoff picture has been determined, it might not be until the final whistle is blown in Durban that we know the teams facing off next weekend (3rd vs 6th and 4th vs 5th). It has been a year of peaks and troughs for many teams and a season that has packed a number of surprises, most notably the dour performances from the Sharks, Crusaders and Reds. Only once in Super Rugby history has a team won the tournament finishing outside the top two spots, so one could say that the Hurricanes and the Brumbies or Waratahs have a very good chance of winning the last ever Super 15 title. Looking at last weekend’s action, the Hurricanes trounced an understrength Highlanders team in Napier before the Brumbies fought hard for a 13 point win over the Force in Canberra. On Saturday, the Bulls were denied victory by some tough TMO decisions against the Rebels in Melbourne, the Crusaders hammered the Blues before the Chiefs easily overcame a pretty hapless Reds outfit that were celebrating the careers of Red’s stalwarts, James Horwill and Will Genia in Brisbane. The late matches saw the Waratahs decimate the Cheetahs in a high-scoring match in Bloemfontein and the Stormers drew with a gallant Lions outfit closed out the weekend.

As a result, the Hurricanes have taken out the minor premiership for the first time in club history and it would be fair to say it has been well deserved. The have been excellent from jersey 1 – 23 and Head Coach Chris Boyd deserves a lot of recognition for what he has achieved in Wellington this year. Positions 2 to 6 still remain up for grabs, however, some teams will rest players this week in a bid to keep them fresh for playoff matches. From a betting standpoint, we had our best weekend ever with five out of five best bets cashing, however, I am going to be cautious this week given the disruptions to the teams and the fact that for many of them, it is the last game of the season. Make sure you follow me on Twitter (@S15_TheProfits) for last minute tips, game coverage, expert insight or just for a chat.

Best Bet 1: Highlanders -7.5 (vs Blues) @ $1.92 – Tab.co.nz (early twitter play)
Best Bet 2: Hurricanes +5.5 (vs Chiefs) @ $1.91 – Sportsbet (early twitter play)
Best Bet 3: Sharks -5.5 (x2 Units) (vs Stormers) @ $1.91 – Sportsbet (early twitter play)

Blues ($4.50) vs Highlanders ($1.22)

The final round of the regular season gets underway at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday afternoon, where the 14th placed Blues host one of this year’s title contenders in the Highlanders. The home team was punished last weekend by an understrength Crusaders outfit in Auckland, but a number of youngsters were blooded in the process and the Blues will be better off for it in the coming seasons. The Highlanders also experienced a big loss last weekend, however, their three biggest stars were on an enforced rest break and two of them will all feature this weekend, with Malakai Fekitoa still under an injury cloud.

Blues Team:

Sam Prattley, Kevin Mealamu, Angus Ta’avao, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Chris Vui, Brendon O’Connor, Joe Edwards, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ihaia West, Melani Nanai, George Moala, Hamish Northcott, Ben Lam, Charles Piutau
Reserves: James Parsons, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Will Lloyd, Jack Ram, Jimmy Cowan, Matt McGahan, Lolagi Visinia

Highlanders Team:

Dan Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman, Josh Hohneck, Alex Ainley, Joe Latta, , Elliott Dixon, John Hardie, Dan Pryor, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Patrick Osborne, Shaun Treeby, Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith (Captain)
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Ross Geldenhuys, Jackson Hemopo, Gareth Evans, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Kurt Baker

Prediction:

The Blues have been poor in 2015 and one feels that a shake-up in Auckland both in terms of off-field and on-field personnel is well and truly overdue. Many have doubted the ability of Sir John Kirwan as a head coach and his record since taking over in 2013 hasn’t been a good one. Three wins from 15 matches simply doesn’t cut it at this level and their performances over the past few years has really taken the gloss off the organisation’s once very strong reputation. Kevin Mealamu has been a stalwart for the Blues and he will play his 175th a final Super Rugby match starting at hooker in Auckland. Additionally, the return of Charles Piutau does add some impetus in a backline that has been strong this season, without setting the world on fire.

The Highlanders will be looking to achieve a season-double over the Blues this weekend, however, their main goal will be to get five competition points to put pressure on the Chiefs to secure a home playoff final next week. The visitors have a second-row crisis, so the lineout is an area that will be targeted, but I don’t see it being a dominant feature of the match. With the return of Aaron Smith, Patrick Osborne and Ben Smith in the backs, I expect the Highlanders to torch this Blues line-up and gather some crucial momentum heading into next week’s do or die fixtures.

Predicted result

Highlanders to win @ $1.22 – Sportsbet

Best Bet 1: Highlanders -7.5 (vs Highlanders) @ $1.82 – Tab.co.nz (early twitter play)

Rebels ($1.25) vs Western Force ($4.05)

The Rebels and the Western Force will play their final match of the season on Friday night at Aami Park in Melbourne. The Rebels head into this matchup on the back of a one-point victory over the Bulls last weekend, whereas, the Force had the bye and will be ready to regain some pride in their jersey and spoil what has been a strong Rebels season. The Rebels already have one-up over the Western Force this season having won 21 – 17 in Perth in March, but they will take more confidence from the fact that they have beaten the Force, seven out of the previous nice matches.

Rebels Team:

Toby Smith, Pat Leafa, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Jones, Lopeti Timani, Sean McMahon, Colby Fainga’a, Scott Higginbotham, Nic Stirzaker, Jack Debreczeni, Cam Crawford, Mitch Inman, Tamati Ellison, Dom Shipperley, Mike Harris
Reserves: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Tim Metcher, Sam Jeffries, Jordy Reid, Ben Meehan, Bryce Hegarty, Tom English

Western Force Team:

Pek Cowan, Nathan Charles, Tetera Faulkner, Sam Wykes, Steve Mafi, Chris Alcock, Matt Hodgson (Captain), Angus Cottrell, Alby Mathewson, Zach Holmes, Nick Cummins, Kyle Godwin, Marcel Brache, Luke Morahan, Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Guy Millar, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Brynard Stander, Ryan Louwrens, Luke Burton, Pat Dellit

Prediction:

Not apart of the original three from Australia, both teams have taken it in turns to show their worth in this competition, however, the Force appear to be heading backwards, whereas, Tony McGahan seems to have the Rebels heading in the right direction. The Rebels have tightened up their defense his season, but they still lack a couple of big signings that would help them win some of the close games they have been losing. Looking at the Force, it has been a horrible year and the players will be looking forward to a break. Ben McCalman has arguably been the best player for the Western Force this season and the loss of him this weekend is a blow for the visitors. He has a presence in both defense and attack and has a great knack of getting over the advantage line and getting his team front-foot ball. Matches between these two clubs have been closely fought, with eight of the nine matches having been decided by seven points or less. In saying that, the Rebels have been the better team this year and I have them winning by about ten points.

Predicted result

Rebels to win @ $1.25  – Sportingbet

Brumbies ($1.51) vs Crusaders ($2.55)

Two perennial superpowers in the Brumbies and the Crusaders kick-off Saturday’s action in what promises to be a cracking match in Canberra. The Brumbies won their third match in a row with a somewhat unconvincing win over the Force, which came on the back of a second season hat trick from David Pocock and the Brumbies rolling maul. The Crusaders also tasted victory over the Blues, however, they will be absent from the finals series for only the fourth time in 20 years.

Brumbies Team:

Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (Captain), Ben Alexander, Blake Enever, Rory Arnold, Scott Fardy, David Pocock, Ita Vaea, Nic White, Christian Lealifano, Joe Tomane, Robbie Coleman, Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, Jesse Mogg
Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, Alan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Jarrad Butler, Michael Dowsett, Matt Toomua, James Dargaville

Crusaders Team:

Wyatt Crockett, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Matt Todd, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, David Havili, Ryan Crotty, Jone Macilai, Tom Taylor
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Colin Slade, Nafi Tuitavake

Prediction:

Although the Crusaders don’t have a lot to play for in terms of making the playoffs, the Brumbies certainly do, as five points would almost certainly guarantee them a home semi-final. The Brumbies have been up and down this season, but things appear to be clicking at the right end of the season. Stephen Moore will run out for the 100th time in Brumbies colours this weekend and David Pocock at flanker continues to show his worth, scoring another hat-trick for his club last weekend. In saying that, the Brumbies will need to be careful that they don’t overuse their dominant maul this weekend, as the Crusaders have some of the best maul defenders in the business in Luke Romano and Sam Whitelock. Matt Toomua will also return off the bench, which is good news for both Brumbies and Wallaby fans.

The Crusaders have been synonymous for easing into a Super Rugby season, however, this year they got their timing all wrong and too many defensive lapses cost them key matches.  Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, two Crusaders greats, will both play their last match in the red and black jerseys and it is fitting that they come up against one of their biggest rivals. Both players have dominated world rugby for a number of years and their contribution to rugby at both club and international level have been invaluable. The Crusaders have won the last four matches against the Brumbies, however, the Brumbies have won three of the last four in Canberra. The Brumbies will want to head into next week with confidence and momentum, but I think the men from Christchurch will galvanise and put in one last performance for their greats and come away with a win in Canberra to finish their season off on a high.

Predicted result

Crusaders to win @ $2.55 – Sportingbet

Chiefs ($1.47) vs Hurricanes ($2.70)

Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth will be the venue for the match between the Chiefs and the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon. Both teams scored impressive wins over the Reds and the Highlanders respectively, but the fact that the Hurricanes have an unassailable lead, might rob some fans of a spectacle, but that remains to be seen. The Hurricanes head into this matchup having won the round 14 clash by three point margins, thanks largely to a Ma’a Nonu double.

Chiefs Team:

Pauliasi Manu, Quentin McDonald, Ben Tameifuna, Matt Symons, Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam (captain), Michael Leitch, Maama Vaipulu, Brad Weber, Marty McKenzie, James Lowe, Sonny Bill-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Bryce Heem, Tom Marshall

Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Siate Tokolahi, Jamie Mackintosh, Michael Fitzgerald, Mitchell Crosswell, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Damien McKenzie

Hurricanes Team:

Reggie Goodes, Dane Coles, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Mark Abbott, Brad Shields, Callum Gibbins, Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, James Marshall, Julian Savea, Rey Lee-Lo, Conrad Smith (Captain), Cory Jane, Nehe Milner Skudder

Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Chris Eves, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Ardie Savea, Frae Wilson, Willis Halaholo, Sam McNicol

Prediction:

This is looking like the match of the round with the Dave Rennie naming a strong starting team to battle the minor premiers. The forward pack remains strong, but Sam Cane has been rested with the impressive Michael Leitch moving to the number seven jersey. In the backs, Brad Weber and Augustine Pulu continue to share the number nine jersey and Sonny Bill-Williams returns to the midfield to press his claims for All Blacks selection. It is unfortunate that Ma’a Nonu has been left out of this match, but it will still be interesting to see what impact SBW has on the match.

Looking at the Hurricanes, there are three big names missing from the line-up this week, but that is something they can afford given their dominant position on the log. Losing Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett and Ma’a Nonu does make things harder for the visitors, but their replacements in Callum Gibbins, James Marshall and Rey Lee-Lo have had more than enough exposure at this level. The back four of Conrad Smith, Julian Savea, Cory Jane and Nehe Milner-Skudder have class written all over them and this is an area where I think they can target the Chiefs. The Hurricanes are the Minor Premiers in 2015 and rightly so, as they have played some fantastic rugby throughout the competition with a very balanced and exciting squad. Anytime they get the points (+ handicap) you have to take them and I do think they can get the job done over the Chiefs, even without some of their stars.

Predicted result

Hurricanes to win @ $2.70 – Sportingbet

Best Bet 2: Hurricanes +5.5 (vs Chiefs) @ $1.91 – Sportsbet (early twitter play)

Waratahs ($1.16) vs Reds ($5.00)

The latest chapter in one of Australia’s longest sporting rivalries will be written this weekend at Allianz Stadium in Sydney when the Reds make their way down south to face a Waratahs team that looks to have timed their run perfectly in 2015. The ‘Tahs were much more efficient in round 17 against the Cheetahs, as they hit the ground running courtesy of an Israel Folau hat trick. Having attended the Reds versus Chiefs match at Suncorp Stadium, it would be fair for me to say that fan were aggrieved and agitated in their 21-point loss to the men from Waikato. The Waratahs are currently riding a three match win streak over the Reds, including a 23 – 5 win over the Queenslanders in Brisbane in March.

Waratahs Team:

Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, Will Skelton, David Dennis (captain), Jacques Potgieter, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Matt Carraro, Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Israel Folau
Replacements: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Dean Mumm, Mitchell Chapman, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Peter Betham

Reds Team:

James Slipper (Captain), James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Rob Simmons, James Horwill, Adam Thomson, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Lachie Turner, Samu Kerevi, Karmichael Hunt, Chris Kuridrani, James O’Connor
Reserves: Saia Fainga’a, Pettowa Paraka, Sam Talakai, Ed O’Donoghue, Hendrik Tui, Beau Robinson, Nick Frisby, Jake McIntyre, Ben Tapuai

Prediction:

The reigning champions haven’t had it all their way this season with two losses to the wooden-spooners, the Western Force, blemish this year’s record. In saying that, they still find themselves within reach of a home semi-final and that is what they will be striving for this weekend. Will Skelton’s suspension has ended and he returns to the fray this weekend in a match where two solid forward packs will collide. I’ve mentioned it before, but the Reds have had a disastrous season that has seen poor performances both on and off the field. Adding to that, a spate of injuries hasn’t made the task at hand any easier, but the fact that Richard Graham has named almost the same starting line-up for the last three weeks is a good sign for the club. There are a number of head-to-heads this weekend that could decide Wallaby positions from 1 – 15. The Waratahs have beaten the Reds five of the last six times in Sydney and they will head into this match with more momentum. The Reds will want nothing more then to send their stalwarts off by beating their biggest foes in Sydney, however, they are on the opposite sides of the ladder for a reason and Michael Cheika won’t let his team let this opportunity to host a home semi-final slip in Sydney.

Predicted result

Waratahs to win @ $1.16 – Sportsbet

Bulls ($1.13) vs Cheetahs ($6.00)

Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria will host the final match of the season for both the Bulls and the Cheetahs when they clash in the traditional North-South derby on Saturday night. Both teams will be disappointed with their respective seasons and their woes were compounded last week when the Bulls lost to the Rebels by a solitary point in Melbourne and the Cheetahs were thrashed by the Waratahs in Bloemfontein in a match that featured very little defense.

Bulls Team:

Morne Mellett, Adriaan Strauss, Marcell van der Merwe, Flip van der Merwe, Grant Hattingh, Arno Botha, Jacques du Plessis, Pierre Spies (Captain), Rudy Paige, Jacques Louis-Potgieter, Travis Ismael, Burger Odendaal, JJ Engelbrecht, Francois Hougaard, Jesse Kriel
Reserves: Jaco Visagie, Trevor Nyakane, Nicholas Janse van Rensburg, Roelof Smit, Werner Kruger, Tian Schoeman, Bjorn Basson, Jurgen Visser

Cheetahs Team:

BG Uys, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Maks van Dyk, Carl Wegner, Francois Uys (Captain), Boom Prinsloo, Henco Venter, Niell Jordaan, Sarel Pretorius, Niel Marais, Clayton Blommetjies, Rayno Benjamin, Francois Venter, Sergeal Petersen, Willie le Roux
Reserves: Elandre Huggett, Danie Mienie, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Steven Sykes, Gerhard Olivier, Oupa Mohoje, Renier Botha, Coenie van Wyk

Prediction:

History will be against the Cheetahs in Pretoria this weekend, with the home team having won 14 of the 15 matches played since 2006, including all six matches at home. The Bulls were in the running to feature in the playoffs before an abysmal overseas tour took them out of the reckoning. The Cheetahs play an attacking brand of rugby and do entertain the viewers, but their defense is almost non-existent and each week they get found out by teams that have much more precision. The Bulls have been a better team this year and I envisage them winning this one by double-digits.

Predicted result

Bulls to win @ $1.13 – Sportsbet

Sharks ($1.47) vs Stormers ($2.67)

The final match of the regular season takes place at the Shark Tank in Durban, where the Sharks host the South African Conference champions, the Stormers. It has been a disastrous season for the men from Durban, having only won six of their 15 matches played, especially having been installed as one of the favourites to win the competition in pre-season polls. They will head into this match refreshed after the bye, whereas, the Stormers did enough to secure the conference by drawing with the Lions in Cape Town last weekend.

Sharks Team:

Tendai Mtawawira, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Etienne Oosthuizen, Marco Wentzel (Captain), Marcell Coetzee, Willem Alberts, Renaldo Bothma, Stefan Ungerer, Lionel Cronje, S’bura Sithole, Andrew Estherhuizen, JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane, Lwazi Mvovo
Reserves: Franco Marais, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Khaya Majola, Conrad Hoffman, Fred Zeilinga, Heimar Williams

Stormers Team:

Oli Kebble, Michael Willemse, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Ruan Botha, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Michael Rhodes, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Pat Howard, Jaco Taute, Huw Jones, Johnny Kotze, Robert du Preez
Reserves: Neil Rautenbach, Alistair Vermaak, Wilco Louw, Jan de Klerk, Siya Kolisi, Godlen Masimla, Seabelo Senatla, Kobus van Wyk

Prediction:

Many would’ve regarded this match as a potential Springbok trial, however, Alastair Coetzee has opted to rest his stars and put out a ‘B’ team against the Sharks in Durban. The Stormers will know if it is possible to secure the second home semi-final by the time their match comes around, but either way, they won’t want to lose to one of their biggest rivals in the Sharks. I’ve said it week after week, but the Sharks have been horrendous in 2015. A combination of ill-discipline, injuries and not turning up mentally has cost the Durban-based franchise this year, but they will have a lot to play for this week. The du Plessis brothers, Jannie and Bismarck, as well as Willem Alberts will play their last matches for the Sharks against the Stormers before heading for ‘greener pastures’. These three players have been huge for the Sharks and Springbok rugby and no doubt will want to make an impact on the match in the Sharks colours for the last time. The Stormers have been the more dominant South African team over the past few seasons and they have had a more balanced team this season. The Stormers won the initial fixture against the Sharks in Cape Town earlier this season, however, with a number of their stars resting, the Sharks should win this match quite comfortably and give their fans something to be happy about after an extremely dismal season.

Predicted result

Sharks to win @ $1.38 – Sportsbet

Best Bet 3: Sharks -5.5 (x2 Units) (vs Stormers) @ $1.91 – Sportsbet (early twitter play)