The Australian derby is the major point of difference this week as our panel of tipsters are closely aligned again after a tight week five.

Last week, there was just one tip of difference between the four panellists, with Tony opting for the Waratahs over the Drua. ‘Golden point, my a—‘ has been his pained refrain all week.

This time around the panel is all aligned on the opening four games, and split 2-2 on the last one. Hamish has another point of difference, picking the Highlanders to end the impressive run of the table-topping Hurricanes.

So let’s them.

Christy Doran

Chiefs, Waratahs, Drua, Blues, Hurricanes, Brumbies

It’s good to be up one against Harps, but I’m not so happy to be even-steven with Nick and one further back from The Crowd.

Round six seems simple enough but the match-ups could be closer than meets the eye.

The Crusaders are probably due to have some luck, but it might not come against the Chiefs despite Damian McKenzie being given a spell. If he was there, you’d back them. Now, the margin is closer. It could well come down to George Bell getting his throw right. If it sticks, they’re a chance. Even still, I’ll back in the Chiefs.

The Waratahs are favourites against the Rebels, but how often have we seen the home side in Sydney stumble? It seems to be a weekly occurrence for both the Waratahs and Wallabies. Despite that, I’ll tip the men in blue because of their combinations and connection.

The Force are improving, but tipping against the Drua in Fiji is fraught with danger. Plus, after another week at home, coupled with the Force’s multiple plane trips, the Drua should be too strong.

The Blues should be way too strong for Moana Pasifika. And can the Highlanders stop the unbeaten Hurricanes? I don’t think so. Brad Shields’ men are the competition favourites.

The clash in Brisbane is worth tuning in for. The halves clash will be fascinating, as will the battle of the back-row. The Brumbies’ bench is the difference for me, so I’ll tip Stephen Larkham’s side from Canberra.

Nick Wasiliev

Chiefs, Waratahs, Drua, Blues, Hurricanes, Reds

Even on weekends when we thought we had a clear idea of the pecking order, Super Rugby surprises us all once again. God dammit, Western Force!

This round comes at a good time;  a lot of good derbies on both sides of the Tasman should give us a good indication of each domestic pecking order. First up… despite resting DMac and having Nanai-Seturo out, the rest of this Chiefs squad looks good. The Crusaders’ injury ward is shocking, even worse than the Western Force, and while Mitchell Drummond is a very welcome return, there are a lot of holes in this Crusaders’ side, particularly in the backline.

Yep, calling it here: the Waratahs break their losing streak this Friday. Despite the short turnaround, Lalakai Foketi and Will Harrison are crucial returns, in addition to Tom Ross in the front row. Truth be told, despite the results, the Tahs have looked the more consistent side and have had a much harder run of games, whereas the Rebels, despite the inclusions of Darby Lancaster and Filipo Daugunu, have been so inconsistent week to week. This could loom as a very significant match in the context of both sides’ seasons.

 I’m going Drua, but I think this will be a closer game than many expect. The Force tend to be a tougher side to dispatch on the road, as evidenced by three very close losses on their NZ tour last year. Sam Carter will be an excellent substitute for Jeremy Williams, and if they keep their discipline, they are a very dangerous side. But Fiji is in Fiji. 

You need no further indication of the improvement in Moana Pasifika than the Blues naming a strong side, with Hoskins Sotutu and Rieko Ioane likely the most dangerous weapons for this Auckland derby.

Vern Cotter’s side just has more class and should get the job done. The losses of Jermaine Ainsley and Tanielu Tele’a are notable for the Highlanders, but the Canes are now also back at full strength with a plethora of All Blacks returning. They’re at the top of the ladder for a reason.

Oh god. Finishing off with the match of the round. These two Aussie sides have overcome challenges, knocked off Kiwi sides, and have more than earned where they are on the ladder. They are showing themselves to be Australia’s most resolute outfits, but in the domestic bragging rights, this might be the Aussie game of the year.

Larkham moving the experienced heads to start is a bold move, and he’s likely targeted this game for his bench to make a statement. But… the Reds look phenomenal at home, and after last week will be hungry to bounce back. Honestly, it’s a coin flip. Ummm…. Reds in a thriller! God help me!

Hamish Bidwell

Chiefs, Waratahs, Drua, Blues, Highlanders, Brumbies

Chiefs by 25 points. Sadly, it appears the Crusaders don’t have a lot to offer despite the blows their pride has suffered so far this season.

I do like the Rebels, but surely the Waratahs win this one?

The Drua by plenty. So heartening to see them have a run of games in Fiji.

The Blues in a high-scoring game. I assume they’ll defend just a bit better than Moana Pasifika can.

I have a sneaky feeling for the Highlanders here,  who are doing reasonably well without a lot of elite talent.

Another of the hard ones to call, but I fancy the Brumbies by a narrow margin.

Tony Harper

Chiefs, Waratahs, Drua, Blues, Hurricanes, Reds

Golden point, my a—. How cruel is tipping, and rugby? Having been the only one brave enough to tip the Tahs over the Drua, I was about a metre too low and a few centimetres too wide away from claiming the ultimate bragging rights after five rounds. Oh Tane, you’ve done it again. And please don’t mention 500,000 Jorgo who dropped one cold with the Drua backs stretched in golden point.

The Crusaders have to avoid defeat sometime, but not this week – although the Chiefs have fallen to pieces when DMac has been missing. But don’t fret Crusaders fans, you have the bye next week and not even Rob Penney can get an L from that one.

The Waratahs have hurt me. And yet, there I go again. This is the one where I wavered most and it would come as no surprise to see Carter Gordon rule the roost.

The Drua should have enough for the Force, although Simon Cron’s team showed excellent spirit against the reds. Wonder what payback Mick Byrne has up his sleeve this week?

Blues to cruise, Canes to, well cane, and Reds to edge a Suncorp classic.

Happy tipping!

Round 6ChristyNick Tony HamishThe CrowdOverall2020191621Last week554165CRU v CHIChiefsChiefsChiefsChiefs?WAR v REBWaratahsWaratahs WaratahsWaratahs?FIJ v FOR DruaDrua DruaDrua?MOA v BLU BluesBlues BluesBlues?HIG v HURHurricanesHurricanes HurricanesHighlanders?RED v BRUBrumbiesRedsRedsBrumbies?