By Michael Atkinson

Top of the table clashes; a big Red returns; international props; and “Special Auctions” – all you need to know ahead of round nine this weekend.

Easts vs. GPS (David Wilson Field, 3:20pm – Match of the Round)

Many are calling the Tigers the form team of the competition, and rightfully so. They’ve won their last five, sit third on  the ladder and look to be really purring along. They have however lost the only two games they’ve played against top four sides so far this year.

GPS have been frustratingly inconsistent. A loss to UQ last week was preceded by a solid win over Souths – the Magpies first loss of the year. The Gallopers are sitting fourth, but need to find their groove to take down the Tigers.

This one is Queensland Premier Rugby’s “Match of the Round”, and Easts will also have to put “The Bunter Bowl” up for grabs. It’s always a tight contest between these two sides and the home fans (whether at Bottomley Park or Yoku Road) always give a “warm welcome” to the opposing supporters.

There will be plenty of fire on the field and plenty of quality banter coming from the stands.

Atko’s tip: GPS by 6 (NB: I will tip GPS 99% of the time)

UQ vs. Souths (St. Lucia, 3:20pm)

Five words:

TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH!

This is the biggest game of the weekend. The competition benchmark for almost the past decade coming up against the front runners this season.

After an indifferent start to the season, UQ have now won four on the trot and never really looked troubled by GPS last week. Conversely, Souths started their season with five straight wins, but have dropped their last two.

UQ have a 37-year-old prop with 32 caps for Ireland by the name of Tom Court providing a cool and mature head, which balances out the young guns in the Heavies side.

To top it all off, it’s Ladies Day at St. Lucia. If getting a win in front of a big crowd doesn’t inspire the students, then the prospect of getting picked up in the “Auction” by one lucky lady, later that evening, should be enough to fuel the fire.

The Magpies welcome back big Reds and Wallabies lock, Lukhan Tui, who returns from injury. He’ll add plenty of punch to the ‘Pies on both sides of the ball. They also get Quade back as well as freakish try-scorer, Emori Waqavulagi.

Tip: Souths by 8.

Bond vs. Norths (Bond Uni, 3:20pm)

These two sides really need a win to stay in touch with the top five teams.

Norths fought out a tough victory over Brothers last week and need to show the same mettle against Bond.

The Gold Coast students have been more miss than hit, but you can’t ignore their away win over UQ in round three and their impressive victory over Sunnybank a fortnight ago.

Playing at home might just be the advantage that gets Bond over the line.

Tip: Bond by 5

Brothers vs. Wests (Jack Ross Oval, 3:20pm)

In the time before Super Rugby, this was a huge clash of traditional rivals. The two clubs have produced a lot of talent who went on to play for Queensland and Australia, so often, when the Brethren and the Doggies met, there were stars galore who relished the opportunity to get one over their representative team mates (on or off the scoreboard).

Tomorrow’s fixture won’t quite reach those heights, but it does pose an interesting battle. Both sides are coming off losses but also have the ability to play some excellent rugby, as shown with their respective wins over UQ and GPS.

It’s really a matter of who shows up for this one, but I like the way the Doggies have been playing despite having only two wins on the board.

Tip: Wests by 8

All games can be streamed live and free at redsrugby.com.au