The Stormers kept up their recent run of good form by beating the Highlanders at Newlands. The game was a scrappy affair with both teams making to many mistakes for the game to really flow. The Stormers did score two great tries in the second half, but they failed to pick up a four try bonus point and that might prove vital in their quest for a semi final berth. Final score: Stormers 26 Highlanders 16

The Cheetahs were totally outplayed by the Hurricanes in Kimberley. The Hurricanes capitalized on every mistake the Cheetahs made and ran in 6 tries to one from the home side. The Cheetah defense was non existing at stages and it was their worse performance of the season. The Hurricanes kept their chances of a play-off spot alive with this victory. Final score: Hurricanes 38 Cheetahs 10

The Sharks put up their second poor performance of the 2008 Super14 and it certainly looks like there might be one or two problems in the Sharks camp, and if they don’t sort it out this week their season might get derailed. Against the Waratahs the Sharks defended well in the first half but they fell by the wayside. The ‘Tahs dominated territory and possession and they ran in four tries to one to gain the bonus point and jump to second on the log with a real chance of getting a home semi final. Final score: Waratahs 25 Sharks 10

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The Chiefs kept their hopes of a semi final spot alive with a well deserved and entertaining victory over the Reds. Both teams played attractive running rugby that showed just how the game should be played under the ELV’s. The Reds can feel aggrieved that they did not gain anything from this game, but it was the Chiefs that made the most of their scoring opportunities and threatened to run away with the game. The Reds did not just give in though and this made for the most entertaining game of the weekend. Final score: Chiefs 32 Reds 20

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The Brumbies struggled to a unconvincing victory against the Lions. The Brumbies were actually trailing midway through the second half against a Lions side that really upped their game and put up their best performance of the season. A dubious yellow card left the Lions with only 14 men on the field and the Brumbies took full advantage of their numerical superiority and leveled the score during the 10 minutes. After that the Lions were broken and out on their feet and the Brumbies scored the winning try in the final minutes. Final score: Brumbies 28 Lions 21

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The Crusaders went back to winning ways with a hard fought victory over the Auckland Blues. The Blues put up a brave display but in the end just ran out of time to beat the Crusaders. The ‘Saders picked up the bonus point for scoring 4 tries, but only gained this thanks to an error by the assistant referee who failed to spot a Crusaders player’s foot in touch during a move that lead to their fourth try. The Crusaders now look set to top the Super14 log whilst the Blues are out of the running, which is a shame when considering the fantastic start they had. Final score: Crusaders 26 Blues 22

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The Stormers maintained their great run of form when they held for an important victory over the Hurricanes. The victory saw the Stormers move up to 4th on the log, and they now have a realistic chance of making the semi’s. Both sides scored two tries in a match that was played with test match intensity at times and it was a thrill to see such a game won by a SA side. The victory for the Stormers did come at a high price though, JD Moller will miss the rest of the Super14 campaign with a dislocated shoulder, and Tonderai Chavanga will be out of action for about 4 weeks with a grade 2 hamstring tear. The Stormers have their play off chances in their own hands now so lets hope for two SA teams in the semi’s. Final score: Stormers 20 Hurricanes 12

The Bulls bounced back against the Highlanders to put up their best performance of the season. The Bulls dominated the game from the kick off and played a brand of rugby rarely seen at Loftus. The home side played enterprising running rugby and picked their first bonus point for scoring 4 tries or more in a game. The Bulls outscored the Highlanders by 6 tries to 2 to be comprehensive victors and give the Loftus faithful something to cheer about. Final score: Bulls 47 Highlanders 17

The Sharks suffered their first loss of the 2008 Super14 competition when they went down to the Brumbies in Canberra. The victory keeps the Brumbies in the hunt for a place in the semi’s. The Sharks started the better of the sides and enjoyed a 13 point lead at half time, but the second half saw the visitors outclassed by the Brumbies. The home side starved the Sharks of possession and the visitors played shocking rugby. Their discipline let them down and the two yellow cards they received did not help their cause. The Brumbies were rewarded for their brilliant efforts in the second half to walk off deserved winners. Final score: Brumbies 27 Sharks 21

The Waratahs overcame a sluggish first half performance to run out comfortable victors against the Lions in Sydney. The Lions were still in the game at half time thanks to a Waratahs side that just made to many errors in the pouring rain. The half time score was 0-0 but the ‘Tahs managed to pull together in the second half and outscore the Lions by 4 tries to 0. The victory saw the Waratahs move into 3rd place on the log on their own and keep their hopes alive for a semi-final berth. Final score: Waratahs 26 Lions 3