In Christchurch: Played 11, Crusaders 9, Highlanders 2

Last meeting: Round 15, 2012: Crusaders bt the Highlanders 51-18 at AMI Stadium

Preview: The ninth-placed Crusaders can't afford to let too many more games slip if they are to make the finals for a 12th straight year. A resilient Force defence denied them a win last week, but they should encounter little trouble against the winless Highlanders. Dan Carter is still injured, but the Crusaders welcome back All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock and openside flanker Matt Todd to the starting line-up, with Zac Guildford named on the wing. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is under the pump following seven straight losses, and the Crusaders are likely to heap even more misery on the struggling franchise.

Tip: Crusaders by 14

Queensland Reds v Brumbies, Lang Park, Brisbane

19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 19:40 EST, 19:10 CST, 17:40 WST

Head-to-head: Played 21, Brumbies 17, Reds 4

In Brisbane: Played 9, Brumbies 7, Reds 2

Last meeting: Round 1, 2013: Brumbies bt the Reds 24-6 at Canberra Stadium

Preview: It's the biggest Australian derby of the year and both camps have done their best to win the pre-match mind games. Jake White kicked it off by calling the Reds "king favourites", and Ewen McKenzie happily highlighted the Brumbies as the team that kills the ball most often at the ruck. White responded with stats showing Queensland are penalised just as much, and it goes on. The Reds come off a superb 31-23 upset of the Chiefs and will field their strongest team of the season, with Digby Ioane back from injury. Wallabies teammate Pat McCabe remains on the Brumbies bench, while Fotu Auelua will start at No. 8. Expect a ding-dong contest, especially at the breakdown where George Smith and Liam Gill go head to head.

Tip: Reds by 7

Sharks v Cheetahs, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 01:05 EST +1d, 00:35 CST +1d, 23:05 WST

Head-to-head: Played 11, Sharks 7, Cheetahs 4

In Durban: Played 5, Sharks 3, Cheetahs 2

Last meeting: Round 2, 2013: Sharks bt the Cheetahs 29-22 at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Preview: The Cheetahs' five-match winning run was brought to a halt at the hands of the Bulls last week, but they remain one of the competition's form sides. The fifth-placed Sharks also suffered a loss, with accuracy and decision-making issues costing them against the Stormers. Both sides remain in the top six, but this weekend's result could be more crucial for the Sharks due to their coming four-match tour of Australia and New Zealand. History favours the Sharks, who have won their past five matches against the Cheetahs, but the Cheetahs are no longer easy-beats. This game should be a ripper.

Tip: Cheetahs by 1

Southern Kings v Bulls, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 03:10 EST +1d, 02:40 CST +1d, 01:10 WST +1d

Head to head: First meeting

Preview: The Kings continue to be the big surprise packets of the season with another upset of an Australian side in Melbourne last weekend. Their tenacity and spirit over 80 minutes means the Bulls must be switched on to make a success of their first trip to Port Elizabeth. The Pretoria-based outfit returned to form by ending the red-hot Cheetahs' five-match win streak last week, and they will take in an unchanged starting side. Bjorn Basson returns from injury to their bench. The Kings must overcome their heavy travel load, but they should have feverish support in the stands at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. And fly-half Demetri Catrakilis has the boot to challenge Morne Steyn in a penalty goal shootout.

Tip: Bulls by 10

Bye: Melbourne Rebels, Stormers, Blues

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