Super Rugby Semi Finals : Who to win?

Reds v Blues in Brisbane and Stormers v Crusaders at Newlands Stadium.

I think the Reds will be too good for the blues this week. The Reds have had plenty in injuries during the past 4 to 6 weeks which partially explains their indifferent form. However, even with key players out they have still managed to pick up close wins - Force and Chiefs in NZ (even where everyone is prepared to tip against them). They will be better for the win in NZ in difficult conditions. They will have the home ground at Suncorp with 52,000 fans and will also have back Anthony Faingaa, Digby Loane and Beau Robinson, all of whom have been missed.

Blues will have to bring their A game to Suncorp, Rd 13 game was a great one (37-31) and this one will be great again with both teams favouring all out attack especially in the wamer and dryer condition in Brisbane. I just don't think the Blues have shown enough consistency to keep going through the finals series. They look vulnerable now in the line out and around the halves. Reds by 11.

While the Stormers are always nearly impossible to beat at Newlands they are beatable by the top sides. Crusaders are clicking at the right time of the season - look very solid in defence and have most of their stars in the run on team, including Carter, McCaw and SBW, which has not happened for a while.

I am tipping the Crusaders by 3.

I think the Crusaders will win away. They found a way with a stupidly understrength team in the round-robin and there is no better finals football team in the sport. The Stormers will be one tough mutha but I think the Crusaders are blessed with what the England team circa 03 had and the ability to come through when the pressure is melting your face off.

As for the Reds v Blues, well the Reds are the likeliest winner here, but I can sense an improbable upset on the cards. Pressure does weird things to men and it could be the burden of expectation at home which undoes this extremely talented team. Conversely, the Blues will feel better not having to put up with the expectations of a home crowd, have really nothing to lose by going out and giving it a crack so it could work in their favour

All told my picks are:

Crusaders by 10+ (big I know but trust me on this one)
Reds/Blues -5 either way (but most likely a Reds win)

Talk about injuries,weve now got Lachie Munro and antony Boric out, and only Renee Ranger coming back in..
A heap or those Baby Blacks are from the Auckland Area ,can we use them?

Reds,Blues,and Crusaders have all had lots of injuries,Reds have 3 important players back saturday.
Stormers think the Crusaders are not good enough at the breakdown,well we shall see.
Heart says Crusaders and Blues with a home match for Crusaders at Dunedin.
Head says rested Home teams will win,of the two Crusaders are most likely for an away win.

The Stormers have been the perrenial under achievers for the past decade. They have not put any trophies in the cabinet since 2001 Currie Cup.

Their arch nemesis Bulls are out of the competition, even though I agree the Crusaders are up to the task, this is the one the stormers must win.

For the sake of their fans, and the mental health of their own players.

Interesting, according to the Stormers' Twitter feed they've picked up Schalk Brits on loan to cover their injuries in the loose forwards.

With the travel schedule, you´d have to think the Crusaders have the hardest of tasks. Then again, they´ve been travelling for every single game so this is no different. I´d love to see the Crusaders keep the dream alive but I think the week off for the Stormers and revenge on their mind will make them a very difficult beast.

I think the week off for both home sides will do them good. The Blues and Saders will have to come out firing and put some pressure on the Reds and Stormers and get some points on the board as I think the Blues and Saders will fade in the last quarter. It´s easier to control the game if you´re ahead rather than force the game with little in the tank.

Two deserving home semi finalists but from a selfish point of view would love to see them tipped over. Think it´ll be a huge ask though.

As always I'm one for backing the Kiwi teams and even a hint of suggesting the other teams might win (and just in case the universe is all linked in one gigantic interconnected form of energy) I'll be dam*((ned if I'm going to send some positive vibes in their direction...

In saying that, good luck to all teams.......

Stormers Saders will be a classic. Reckon the final will be in Brisbane, but if the Saders get up I can imagine them learning from what they did last time and sneaking it.

Yay I'm watching the final at the Cake Tin

Yes thats the best outcome for us- Blues vs Crusaders in Wellington- hoome of the Canes...

What would the odds have been on that scenario when the tournament started?

Well give that there had been no 2nd earthquake probably about 20000000 to 1

Ok. I'll have dollar on that

The Queensland Reds team to play the Auckland ("biggest cheats in the history of world rugby": P.Kearns) Blues:

1. Ben Daley
2. Saia Faingaa
3. Greg Holmes
4. Rob Simmons
5. James Horwill (c)
6. Scott Higginbotham
7. Beau Robinson
8. Radike Samo
9. Will Genia (vc)
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Anthony Faingaa
14. Rod Davies
15. Jono Lance

16. James Hanson
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Adam Wallace-Harrison
19. Jake Schatz
20. Liam Gill
21. Ian Prior
22. Will Chambers