As the semi's draw closer, the tussle for the top 4 continues.

Canterbury will have a toughie against the Taranakians (I just made that up!) at Rugby Park.

That Cantabrian in embryo, Greg Feek, will be strong. In fact that whole front row will be. King Robbie (....give it a boot Robbie, give it a boot...) will be making sure the team isn't complacent going into this one.

With dynamic loose forwards such as Scotty, Angus, Toddy (you can buy Toddy masks in Chch!), a competent tight five, and the BEST 1st five/halfback combination in the country....Cantabs to win in a close one.

Wellington to beat Auckland. The jurys still out on whether those has-been Aucklanders can lift their game. One game doesn't make a season.

Athletic Park is notoriously difficult to play at. Sources tell me the rust from the Millard Stand is quite often ripped off the metal supports from the howling gales that thunder across the park, causing poor visibility for players, referees & spectators alike. I could however be telling fibs here.

Anyway Wellington to win because I don't like the so called 'A-Team'. Can think of a few words that the 'A' might stand for, and in ain't awesome!

Waikato to defend the shield against North Harbour. There's too much at stake for the Mooloos defending the log of wood against the Dads army of the boat shoe brigade. It's a bit dodgy when you look back a few years & see this team sheet...

10 - Frano Botica
9 - Jesus

Nuff said?

Waikato just has too much class with a dominant forward pack. There's sure to be a fanatical crowd behind them and the team will be wanting to erase the memories of Athletic Park a week ago.

Given the rule that as a Cantabrian, I'm a Cantabrian first, South Islander second, & New Zealander third... I have to go for Southland to beat Counties Manukau at home at Homestead Stadium. My reasoning above explains why...

Which also explains why Otago will beat Northland at the House of Pain. Being a little unfair on the scarfies there. They should have way too much class for the hapless Northeners. Expect a HUGE performance from the AB...errrr.... Otago forward pack. The woeful performance of the backs last week against the Dorks will also be rectified.

So there you have it. My picks....guarenteed to be completely wrong!

Anyone want to argue with my picks?

DH

I like that loyalty rule. It's one I could live my life by. Reminds me a a T-shirt slogan: "I support 2 teams, the All Blacks and anyone playing Australia"
Let us know what you think!