ESPN FootyTips
Greg Growden's Super Rugby Round 19 tips
Greg Growden
July 4, 2013
Morne Steyn of the Bulls kicks for goal, Sharks v Bulls, Super Rugby, Kings Park, Durban, May 25, 2013
Morne Steyn is back to boost the Bulls © Getty Images
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Friday, July 5

Crusaders v Chiefs, Rugby League Park, Christchurch

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

The Crusaders are getting their act together at the right time, and so they are talking tough. As their skipper Kieran Read said: "Our mental shift is this is a semi-final. We're not worrying about the permutations. The case for us is about getting a win and getting ourselves in the top six. We're primed to go." Even if they are playing the top guns this weekend, still might as well give them the points right now.

Tip: Crusaders

Saturday, July 6

Hurricanes v Highlanders, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

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

The Hurricanes apparently had a pretty mean training session during the week, with claret flowing from head wounds. All a bit late though as this most erratic of provinces again finds itself well down the ladder. At least they can enjoy a morale-boosting win over another bewildering team.

Tip: Hurricanes

Cheetahs v Blues, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

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

I knew the Bloemfontein factor one day would turn the Cheetahs into world beaters. Just being in this spooky city - easily the most eerie Super Rugby venue - is the ultimate psychological turn-off. The Blues will discover they are so aptly named after just a few hours in this "get me outta here" backblock.

Tip: Cheetahs

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

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

The Kings selectors have shown faith in the new breed by picking an unchanged team, but that will not be enough to contain the real kings of strangling any opposing attack. Just 17 tries scored against the Stormers in 14 rounds. A fair record.

Tip: Stormers

Bulls v Sharks, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

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

Some of the biggest Bulls are on their way back, including Morne Steyn, and that should be more than enough for another home triumph over a team still surprised their head coach was forced to depart Kings Park.

Tip: Bulls

The Australian conference remains in recess for the British & Irish Lions Tour.

Make your ESPN FootyTips selections for Super Rugby round 19

Greg Growden previews the third Lions Test
© ESPN Australia / New Zealand

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