Crusaders fans expect another playmaking masterclass from Dan Carter © Getty Images

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Matches: Cheetahs 27 - 13 Queensland Reds | Bulls 35 - 18 Highlanders | New South Wales Waratahs 28 - 22 Brumbies | Crusaders 23 - 3 Blues | Force 13 - 23 Sharks | Melbourne Rebels 30 - 21 Stormers | Hurricanes 12 - 17 Chiefs

Friday, April 17

Hurricanes v Chiefs, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST

Teams are always delighted to host the Chiefs because they don't get driven mad by those incessant Mooloo cow bells that turn any trip to Hamilton into a torture test. First step to the funny farm. Still the sounds of silence of Wellington won't help the Hurricanes, either. Chiefs by a fair few.

Tip: Chiefs

Melbourne Rebels v Stormers, AAMI Stadium

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

The Stormers have been naughty boys, caught out giving match officials a gob-full a few weeks ago. They should instead direct their abuse towards the Rebels. "Learn how to tackle," will send the Rebels into a tizz. After all, they have leaked 47 tries in 11 games so far. Little wonder no-one at the Rebels puts up his hand and admits he is the defence coach. The guy's name is actually Tommy Turnstiles.

Tip: Stormers

Force v Sharks, nib Stadium, Perth

19:40 local, 11:40 GMT, 21:40 EST, 21:10 CST, 19:40 WST

Force coach Michael Foley loves meetings, and we hear there's been a few marathon sessions lately. At least you can say the Force are playing with a bit of spirit this year, even though their intelligence at crucial times has to be questioned. Really, what was going through the mind of a certain playmaker when he kicked the ball out with 30 seconds left on the clock in round 13? Time for another meeting.

Tip: Sharks

Saturday, April 18

Crusaders v Blues, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST

The knights of the rugby realm - Sir John and Sir Graham - have revitalised the Blues, and not before time because for years the once potent province was a basket case. But this is the big test. Go down to Christchurch, where they hate you, and still perform? Doubtful.

Tip: Crusaders

Waratahs v Brumbies, Stadium Australia, Sydney

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

This is just what you want: a derby with edge. Michael Cheika is not happy with what Jake White said about Israel Folau. The Waratahs are cranky, and the Brumbies just don't like the Waratahs. This is ultimate stink-fest fodder. What's more, this game could easily decide Wallabies squad spots. Vavavavoom.

Tip: Waratahs

Bulls v Highlanders, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

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

What is going on with the Highlanders? As predicted against the Kings (yes, I tipped them) last week, they refused to end their "go slow". They'll probably hibernate when they hit the veldt. The Bulls aren't too bright, either, but they're better than this rabble, which shouldn't be a rabble considering the wealth of talent in their squad.

Tip: Bulls.

Cheetahs v Reds, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

The Reds arrived in Bloemfontein having lost an esky while Jake Schatz's gear bag was torn to shreds. Having to spend several days in South Africa's version of Upper Siberia, they will probably lose their innocence as well. But there is a big plus. They are allowed to leave Bloemfontein.

Tip: Reds.

Bye: Southern Kings

Make your ESPN FootyTips selections for Super Rugby round 14