Last clash: Round 18, 2013 - Highlanders 12-40 Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Preview: The Highlanders have moved up the New Zealand conference ladder and the Super Rugby table with two tight wins in the past fortnight. They didn't score a try last week, but they have impressed with their attacking game and they impressed in defence in Wellington. The Highlanders will be sure to rev up "The Zoo" to maximise home-ground advantage, but they face a tough task to keep the Crusaders down.

The Crusaders were left shaking their heads as they watched the 14-man Sharks steal a courageous win to become the first South African side to defeat the Crusaders in New Zealand since 2001. The Crusaders let the Sharks in early, but they soon had an extra man and all the possession only to be let down by lapses in concentration and execution. Coach Todd Blackadder spoke of wanting that performance to be "an anomaly".

Greg Growden's verdict: The Highlanders have turned into the great entertainers and, with the Scarfies in full cry, an upset is in the offing. They are great bets with the start.

Tips: Greg Grodwen: Highlanders by 3. Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders by 5 Brett McKay: Highlanders by 6.

Hurricanes v Chiefs, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

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

Head to Head: Played 22; Hurricanes 11, Chiefs 10, Drawn 1

In Wellington: Played 11; Hurricanes 7, Chiefs 4

Last clash: Round 18, 2013 - Chiefs 34-23 Hurricanes, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Preview: The Hurricanes were disappointed they failed to back up their strong performance in Melbourne when they lost last week by two points to the Highlanders in a conservative match at home. The Hurricanes struggled to breach the Highlanders' defence, and they were undone by poor discipline and turnovers. The Hurricanes are the leading try-scorers in the competition (36), but the conference leaders are tough opponents.

The Chiefs head to Wellington refreshed from the bye and high on confidence from their win over the Blues two weeks ago. They were impressive as they crashed over for four tries despite limited possession and territory in New Plymouth, and they now sit but one try behind the Hurricanes on the try-scoring list. Aaron Cruden is also expected to boost the Chiefs.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Hurricanes have been a bit more stable this season, and at last are able to back up. But the Chiefs are refreshed and primed for the finals.

Tips: Greg Growden: Chiefs by 9 Brittany Mitchell: Chiefs by 5 Brett McKay: Chiefs by 5.

Force v Lions, nib Stadium, Perth

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

Head to Head: Played 7; Force 5, Lions 1

In Perth: Played 3; Force 2, Lions 1

Last clash: Round 14, 2012 - Force 17-11 Lions, nib Stadium, Perth

Preview: The Force impressed in Bloemfontein, but they were overrun last weekend by a dominant Stormers side in Cape Town and dropped out of the top six. The Force are known for their strong defence, but they could not withstand an early barrage as the South African side posted an early lead. The Stormers then strangled the game with 72% possession. The Force have been unbeatable at Perth since round three, and they will be confident they can send the Lions back to South Africa winless on tour, but the flight home from the Republic can undo even the best teams.

The Lions haven't found success on their Australasian tour and they were dominated by the Waratahs in the second half last week. They collected points every time they entered the Tahs 22 in the first half, but they fell apart in the second stanza - conceding 14 turnovers as they went pointless. The Lions have to play a full 80 minutes if they hope to beat the Force.

Greg Growden's verdict: The big-noting Force were brought back to reality in Cape Town, and the Lions should continue the South African pain. Everyone is starting to discover that you need more than just being brilliant defenders on your own line, and a steady kicking No 10. A plan B is required.

Tips: Greg Growden: Lions by 7 Brittany Mitchell: Force by 7 Brett McKay: Force by 12.

Stormers v Cheetahs, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

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

Head to Head: Played 12; Stormers 8, Cheetahs 4

In Cape Town: Played 6; Stormers 5, Cheetahs 1

Last clash: Round 11, 2014 - Cheetahs 35-22 Stormers, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Preview: The Cheetahs impressed last week in bouncing back from a close loss to the Force, taking control of the Brumbies in the second half with 15 unanswered points and 55% possession. They are not nearly so go good away from Bloemfontein, however.

The Stormers took control of the Force early last week before taking control of the scoreboard with 14 unanswered points either side of half-time. They then maintained their tight defence to strangle the game, but they will have to be equally tight to contain Willie le Roux.

Greg Growden's verdict: This will be an arm wrestle, and not much more. Next.

Tips: Greg Growden: Stormers by 4. Brittany Mitchell: Stormers by 4 Brett McKay: Stormers by 10.