This weekend we can say, with some certainty, that just one New Zealand team, out of four, will taste defeat.
Hurricanes v Sharks: Hurricanes by 16
We know the Hurricanes will not leak 63 points on McLean Park. We know they will tackle better than the Blues, and offer serious offensive threats all over the park.
We also know that the re-introduction of prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen and lock Michael Fatialofa will stiffen their set-piece.
What we don't know is which Sharks team will turn up – the confident outfit that hammered the Blues or the timid, uncertain unit that stumbled through the first month of Super Rugby.
Chiefs v Blues: Chiefs by 11
We should expect some kind of positive response from the Blues, or else this so-called Battle of the Bombays will go south again. Rieko Ioane is moved out to centre, while Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Matt Duffie return to the starting line-up.
The Blues will have (hopefully) shored up their defence, both technically and within their systems, as any lapses will see men like Damian McKenzie and Solomon Alaimalo punch holes.
Kara Pryor's inclusion will help with their breakdown woes, while their tactical kicking needs attention. Coach Colin Cooper has called for the Chiefs to play smarter. They have enough heart to do the job.
Jaguares v Crusaders: Crusaders by 14
This should be appointment viewing, in a nice Sunday morning timeslot, for Crusaders fans and rugby people who want to see how the defending champs are coping without several big names.
For their first visit to BA, Scott Robertson has promoted Luke Romano, Tom Sanders, Tim Bateman and Manasa Mataele to the starting XV.
Jack Goodhue has come home with a hamstring injury. Expect several tries, to both teams, in this clash.
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