Jacques Potgieter will play a huge role in the Waratahs clash with the Blues in Auckland © Getty Images

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Friday, April 25

Blues v Waratahs, Eden Park, Auckland

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

Head to head: Played 18; Blues 11, Waratahs 7

In Auckland: Played 9; Blues 8, Waratahs 1

Last clash: Qualifying Final - Blues 26 - Waratahs 13, Eden Park, Auckland

Greg Growden writes: There are generations of Australian players who quiver just at the thought of playing at Eden Park. Auckland is New Zealand rugby's cauldron. But the Waratahs may just break it. Call it the Israel Folau factor.

Tips: Greg Growden: Waratahs by 2. Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs by 4 Brett McKay: Waratahs by 8

Brumbies v Chiefs, Canberra Stadium, Canberra

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

Head to head: Played 19; Brumbies 11, Chiefs 7, Drawn 1

In Canberra: Played 10; Brumbies 7, Chiefs 2, Drawn 1

Last clash: Final- Chiefs 27-22 Brumbies, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Greg Growden writes: The Chiefs remain my pick to win the tournament, but all good teams have their slumps. A trip to Canberra could easily see them collapse as the Brumbies, coming back from the bye, have the required intelligence to thwart a smart side.

Tips: Greg Growden: Brumbies by 1 Brittany Mitchell: Brumbies by 5 Brett McKay: Brumbies by 5

Sharks v Highlanders, Kings Park, Durban

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

Head to head: Played 17; Sharks 10, Highlanders 7,

In Durban: Played 7; Sharks 5, Highlanders 2

Last clash: Round 11- Sharks 28-16 Highlanders, Kings Park, Durban

Greg Growden writes: The Highlanders are one of the more enjoyable teams to watch, but the Sharks at home are often near impenetrable.

Tips: Greg Growden: Sharks by 6. Brittany Mitchell: Sharks by 10 Brett McKay: Sharks by 12

Saturday, April 26

Hurricanes v Reds, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

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

Head to head: Played 15; Hurricanes 11, Reds 4

In Wellington: Played 9; Hurricanes 7, Reds 2

Last clash: Round 11- Hurricanes 28-26 Reds, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Greg Growden writes: The mail out of Brisbane is not good. We hear there is bickering among the Reds troops, and not everyone in the player ranks is happy with the new coaching structure. The Hurricanes aren't much but they should topple a fragmented opposition.

Tips: Greg Growden: Hurricanes by 8 Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes by 9 Brett McKay: Hurricanes by 10

Force v Bulls, Perth Oval, Perth

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

Head to head: Played 5; Force 2, Bulls 3

In Perth: Played 4; Force 2, Bulls 2

Last clash: Round 3- Bulls 36-26 Force, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Greg Growden writes: The Perth chattering chipmunks have been eerily quiet the past week, and there should be another week of peace as the Bulls stampede over them.

Tips: Greg Growden: Bulls by 6 Brittany Mitchell: Force by 3 Brett McKay: Force by 7

Cheetahs v Stormers, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

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

Head to head: Played 11; Cheetahs 3, Stormers 8

In Bloemfontein: Played 5; Cheetahs 2, Stormers 3

Last clash: Round 8- Cheetahs 26-24 Stormers, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Greg Growden writes: Not much point waiting up for this one. Two out of form teams hitting each other with feather dusters. Home ground advantage. Nothing more.

Tips: Greg Growden: Cheetahs by 3. Brittany Mitchell: Cheetahs by 2 Brett McKay: Stormers by 10