Super 15 Rugby 2012 is mainly international matches with only one home derby match per country.  This will provide a litmus test to see how strong the various teams from conferences are.  Features of Round 5 are the first home game in Christchurch for the Crusaders since 2010 although it is at Rugby League Park.  The injury depleted Blues featuring plenty of former Hurricanes hosting the Hurricanes.  The Sharks vs Waratahs and Highlanders vs Brumbies will also be difficult to pick.  The Rebels vs Force will be tight while can the top Australian team the Reds cope in South Africa? 

The Chiefs have the bye.

For an updated list of Round 5 Super Rugby 2012 teams go to

http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html

Game 1 Blues vs Hurricanes

This is a grudge match with plenty of Hurricanes who were dumped after last season turning out for the Blues against their old team this season.  The Blues are missing quality All Blacks Jerome Kaino, Isaia Toeava (both out for the season) and captain Keven Mealamu among others.  To make matters worse they are backing up from a road trip to South Africa and they just lost to the Stormers.  The Hurricanes pushed the Highlanders close and have the luxury of retaining their starting team from last week. 

At the start of the season this would have been an easy win for the Blues, but I am picking the Hurricanes for this match.

My pick - Hurricanes by 2.

Players to watch - Victor Vito, Rudi Wulf.
Bargains - Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Liaki Moli.

Game 2 Rebels vs Force

The Force showed last week that they are not easy beats and with their sprinkling of world class performers will be looking for back to back wins.  This match could go either way, but my theory is that while David Pocock, Nathan Sharpe and co. did well last week to beat the Waratahs, I think it could have knocked the wind out of their sails.  The Rebels will have been gutted to lose to the Cheetahs last week, but I am picking them for their first win of the season at home.  These derby matches are often close.

My pick - Rebels by 3. 
Players to watch - Nathan Sharpe, James O'Connor - These two are expensive but reliable point scorers.
Bargains - Nathan Charles, Adam Freier - Two hookers who are both under $1 million.

Game 3 - Waratahs vs Sharks

This game will be interesting as the Waratahs will be hurting after being booed off the field by their own fans after losing to the Force last week.  Last year the week after this happened, they won.  The Sharks won't be a pushover with their massive forward pack and some quality backs including sharpshooter Patrick Lambie. 

My pick - Waratahs by 2.

Players to watch - Tatafu Polatau-Nau, Bismarck Du Plessis, Pat Lambie
Bargains - Tom Kingston, Jandre Marais.

Game 4 - Crusaders vs Cheetahs

It would take a brave man to bet against the Crusaders in their first game in Christchurch in nearly two years.  They also welcome superstar Dan Carter onto their bench.  They won't have it their own way against the Cheetahs who are an exciting attacking team.

My pick - Crusaders by 7.

Players to watch - Robbie Fruean, Israel Dagg,
Bargains - Luke Whitelock, Johan Goosen, Willie Le Roux, Philip Van Der Walt.

Game 5 - Brumbies vs Highlanders

It will be interesting to see how the unbeaten Highlanders go overseas.  Will their rugged style of game be too much for the Brumbies who haven't got many big names, but have been difficult to beat this season?  I think the Highlanders have too much grunt for the Brumbies, but it will be close.  This game is another one in the could go either way category.  My Highlanders haven't been named yet, get rid of Adam Thomson who is rested.  Shaun Treeby has been named, so pick him.

My pick - Highlanders by 3.

Players to watch - Stephen Moore, Andrew Hore,
Bargains - Sam Carter, Shaun Treeby.

Game 6 - Bulls vs Reds

The Bulls will be looking to get their campaign back on track following a loss and the bye.  Watch for them to dominate the injury plagued Reds upfront.  The Reds have injuries with their fourth choice fly half and will sorely miss the banned Digby Ioane.  A loss in this game could threaten to de-rail both of these teams who sit in a handy position at the moment.

My pick - Bulls by 3.

Players to watch - Morne Steyn, Pierre Spies.
Bargains - Dallan Murphy, Juandre Kruger, Johann Sadie.

Game 7 - Lions vs Stormers

The home side will have their work cutout this week against the strong Stormers side.  The Lions have heaps of injuries and will have to work to keep the Stormers within reach.  The Stormers should win this one, although some of these derbies have been closer than expected. 

My pick - Stormers by 7.

Players to watch - Joe Pietersen, Andries Bekker, Jaco Taute.
Bargains - Eben Etzebeth, Callie Visagie

Here are my picks for Super Rugby Round 5, who do you think are the teams and players to watch?

http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/03/super-15-rugby-round-5-preview.html