It's been a tough Super Rugby season for both the Blues and the Reds so far, but Matt Burke thinks home-ground advantage will be that little bit extra that gets the Blues over the line when they meet in tonight's match.

Blues v Reds

This game is about finishing with something in the win column as the seasons of both teams are looking more dire as the weeks progress.

The Reds are desperately trying to defend their crown from last year and the Blues are just looking for respect.

A win has to come for the Blues soon. They're playing a brand of rugby that should get a result. The loss to the Highlanders last week was devastating.

The Reds, on the other hand, get some players returning from injury and suspension this week. Faingaa makes a long awaited return, as does Ioane.

Surely that has to add something to the attack of the Reds?

They struggled against a physical Stormers outfit and even though it was a ten point loss I think there was more in it mentally. The Reds are hurting after a big loss last week and still have no direction and zest without Cooper at the helm.

Eden park in a tough play to play and I envisage a win to the home team.

Blues to win. One unit.

Waratahs v Crusaders

There seems to be the trend at the moment to lose players to injury and suspension, and the Waratahs have been able to fit the bill in those departments.

The loss of Horne is big...Foley is bigger. He has been a calming influence at the back and they come up against a Crusaders outfit playing with confidence.

Forward is where the Tahs have to compete this weekend to give the backs some kind of quality ball to play with. The numbers 1-8 will be able to do that, but will the makeshift backs be able to construct play with only limited time in those spots?

The key to the victories of the Crusaders is they were able to mount consecutive attacking raids on opposition defence, and with all the pressure, something has to give. They have runners all over the park, led by captain Reid, and ball players to complement their committed running.

They are on a roll at the moment and showing everyone how to play running rugby.

Perhaps a saving grace for the Waratahs is that they are at home playing an afternoon game and have some momentum, albeit disrupted, for this weekend.

Crusaders to win. 2 units.