Super Rugby / James Cleary / 14 May 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now

The Waratahs in third host the fifth-placed Hurricanes in what James Cleary sees as a winner-takes-all encounter.

Five teams are vying for the three available semi-final slots alongside leaders, the Bulls, although results elsewhere could ensure both sides sneak through if the Hurricanes secure a tight away victory...as long as the Waratahs secure two bonus points in defeat.

Victory for the Waratahs would secure their place, and second spot and a home semi-final would be earned should the Stormers and the Brumbies lose. Any Hurricanes defeat would mean they are out of the competition.

So impressive in their 46-19 victory over the Chiefs last week, the Waratahs have the second-best attacking record in Super 14. Undefeated on home turf, the 'Tahs have hauled themselves up the table based on their formidable run in Sydney.

Despite an impressive season, which has included a current run of four wins on the spin, the Hurricanes experienced a South African hoodoo after losing four consecutively against Springbok opposition.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey has been forced to make two changes due to suffering injuries against Chiefs. Sosene Anesi is out with a shoulder problem and prop Benn Robinson is ruled absent with an arm injury.

Rory Sidey replaces Anesi on the bench with Jeremy Tilse coming in, while Dan Palmer is in for Robinson. Berrick Barnes is set to continue at fly-half after an impressive display last time out.

New Zealand centre Conrad Smith is back in the Hurricanes' XV, in place of Jason Kawau, after recovering from a concussion that ruled him out of last week's 44-21 defeat of Reds. Flanker Victor Vito also misses a second game on the spin after failing a fitness test on his calf muscle strain, meaning Michael Paterson will wear the No. 6 jersey for a second consecutive week. Scrum-half Piri Weepu is also doubtful after limping out of training midweek with an ankle problem. Tyson Keats is likely to come back in at No. 9 with Chris Eaton providing cover, while former New Zealand loosehead John Schwalger also returns, with Jacob Ellison named as a replacement.

All Blacks star Ma'a Nonu has inspired the Hurricanes' late charge for the top 4 and could be the key in upsetting a head-to-head record of 3-0 in the Waratahs' favour - they were 20-3 winners here two years ago, and twice winners in Wellington in 2007 and by four points last year.

However, in light of the importance of the occasion, and the manner of their victory last week, home advantage should tell by around 10 points.