Weekend Ahead - Rugby Union

The Hurricanes have their biggest test yet as they take on the defending champions Crusaders on April Fools Day. It is difficult to predict whether the fact that the Crusaders have had a week off will have any influence on the game. The Hurricanes in the past weeks have shown their resilience and ability to grind out victories when they are needed. Great wins over the Bulls and Sharks have demonstrated that they can defend. Tomorrow will be a different ball game for them though and they will have to quieten the threat of Daniel Carter if they are going to get a victory. Taking a loss here should not affect there way forward and eventual semi-final place (hopefully) but they will not want a heavy defeat and should look to collect at least one bonus point. Unfortunately I think the Crusaders are too strong and take them to win by 1-12 points

The Northampton Saints return to cup action in Cup action this weekend and can expect a very tough game from Worcester. These are two tough sides who's chosen path has been pretty much the same. They are close in the league and share victories and defeats over each other. The question to this game will be whether Carlos Spencer is on form and Bruce Reihana can kick the goals. There is no doubting Spencer's ability, but his kicking game is shocking. The pre-season should see the Saints start looking for another goal kicker at the very least as they lose a lot of point in that area. I cannot call tomorrows game with confidence, but I would hope the recent form of the Saints will be enough to see them edge this by 1-12 points