Liam Napier: The Hurricanes. Other than the fact the Brumbies are fortunate to be in the playoffs, let alone hosting this match, the Hurricanes again appear to be finding form at the right time. Dane Coles' timely return provides another boost for the defending champions.
Quarter-final 2: Crusaders v Highlanders, Saturday 7.35pm, Christchurch
Yalden: The Crusaders. It may take a bit of time but the Crusaders front eight will gain the ascendancy, laying the platform for another hard fought win over their nearest rival.
Paul: The Highlanders. There's something about these guys that makes them hard to bet against in a knockout game. Crusaders have been form horse and have the power pack but the Highlanders will find a way to win.
Burnes: The Crusaders. Despite the Highlanders' rousing recent form, they will run into a reinvigorated Crusaders/All Blacks tight five and that will be enough for the Garden City boys to triumph.
Napier: The Highlanders. Tough ask to win in Christchurch, particularly with the stacked team the hosts have named, but the Highlanders came very close to knocking over the Crusaders twice this year; three points the difference in both matches. With Ben and Aaron Smith back, they have some serious firepower in the backline. Gaining parity up-front will be key.
Quarter-final 3: Lions v Sharks, Sunday 12.30am, Johannesburg
Yalden: The Lions: The Lions are simply superior to the Sharks; more complete, more skilled & they will run away with this one.
Paul: The Lions have developed into a good side. More than that, they have become a consistent side and with home advantage and the confidence of knowing they stuffed the Sharks last week...they will canter home.
Burnes: The Lions. The gap between the Lions and Sharks is larger than last weekend's 17-point margin, and especially so at Emirate Airlines Stadium, aka Ellis Park.
Napier: The Lions. Best team all season in Africa. Compared to their local counterparts playing on another level in terms of tempo, pace and execution. And just for good measure, they rolled the Sharks in Durban last week. Will also be motivated to sendoff Johan Ackermann, South Africa's best local coach.
Quarter-final 4: Stormers v Chiefs, Sunday 3am, Cape Town
Yalden: The Chiefs. Can't see Dave Rennie's men affording the Stormers the same opportunities they did in round 7, while Stormers defence in the last few rounds has been poor by their standards.
Paul: The Chiefs. Will be a struggle for them though. The Stormers have been quite good at times and can be a hard team to break down. Could be tight and tense but the Chiefs to sneak it with a touch of class from Damian McKenzie.
Burnes: The Chiefs. This is potentially the closest quarter-final, as the Stormers have already beaten the Chiefs in 2017, while the latter relies heavily on the brilliance of Damian McKenzie.
Napier: The Chiefs. The Stormers are a different team to the one the Chiefs smacked at the same stage last year - as their 34-26 victory over Dave Rennie's men in Cape Town early this year suggests. Charlie Ngatai is a big loss for the Chiefs but they should have enough character and skill to survive another week.
