Super Rugby Round 18
Greg Growden's Super Rugby round 18 tips
Greg Growden
June 27, 2013

Friday, June 28

Chiefs v Hurricanes, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

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

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The Chiefs still look the most formidable of the New Zealand provinces, and, unlike the Hurricanes, who are as inconsistent as the Wellington weather, they can produce week in week out. Forget about all the Hurricanes ' All Blacks coming back for this game because there remains too many weak spots in their line-up.

Tip: Chiefs

Saturday, June 29

Highlanders v Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

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

While all of Dunedin are in shock that the Highlanders remember what is required to actually win a game, reality will return this weekend. The Crusaders, knowing Richie McCaw will be back for the play-offs, should smack their neighbours, especially with Daniel Carter back on song after a successful All Blacks-France Test series.

Tip: Crusaders

Sharks v Blues, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

14:50 local, 12:50 GMT, 22:50 EST, 22:20 CST, 20:50 WST

Sharks head coach John Plumtree during the Durban sides' press conference, Kings Park, Durban, South Africa, June 14, 2011
Will John Plumtree's absence fire up the Sharks? © Getty Images
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This is a simple case of hometown advantage and the Blues going through their usual season slump. And the Sharks will be all atizz after they decided to get rid of their coach John Plumtree. Teams usually fire up whenever a coach departs.

Tip: Sharks

Bulls v Southern Kings, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

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

The Kings have not been the hopeless jokes virtually everyone predicted when they joined the tournament this year, but this encounter could be nasty. The Bulls by a considerable margin, even though they have a few important players sidelined. Tip: Bulls

Stormers v Cheetahs, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

19:15 local, 17:15 GMT, 03:15 EST +1d, 02:45 CST +1d, 01:15 WST +1d

The great surprise of the tournament has been the rise of the Cheetahs, but the Stormers' defence should strangle them out of this one. It's easier to become the leader of the Australian Labor Party than it is to get over the Stormers' tryline. Tip: Stormers

Byes: Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels, New South Wales Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Western Force

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