West Harbour v Eastwood                            

No team performs better when labelled an underdog than West Harbour and the Pirates proved that again last weekend when they beat a star studded Sydney Uni side for the second time this year.

Todd Louden’s side beat Eastwood at TG Millner back in round six and are expected to be boosted by the inclusion of Waratahs winger Taqele Naiyaravoro for Saturday’s clash.

The Woodies were disappointing in a 43-18 loss to Southern Districts in round 12 and missed far too many first up tackles for a side at the top end of the competition ladder.

While Eastwood will start as favourites, they’ll need to improve on last week’s effort to challenge the in form Pirates.

Parramatta v Southern Districts

The Two Blues showed plenty of fight against Gordon last weekend but weren’t able to get the job done in a match they felt they could have won.

Unfortunately, the challenge will be even tougher this weekend when they host Souths, following the departure of gun No.8 Tyrone Viiga to France.

The Rebels produced their best performance of the year last Saturday, beating Eastwood comfortably at home. They’ll also be without star back Paul Asquith for the remainder of the year after he signed a deal to link with Welsh club Scarlets this week.

Waratahs No.8 Jed Holloway has been named to start for Souths, but former Brumbies halfback Dewet Roos is expected to miss the clash, with Eli Pilz named to start at No.9.

Northern Suburbs v Sydney University

While it may be a rematch of last year’s grand final, both Norths and Uni have been disappointing in recent weeks and will need to improve on Saturday.

A host of big names are expected to return for both sides but the reality is, Norths have lost five of their last six matches while the Students have dropped a handful of games they should have won.

Sydney Uni sit five competition points outside of the top six and begin a season defining month of rugby this weekend, with matches against Manly, Warringah and Eastwood to come after Saturday’s clash against a Norths side who have dropped to fifth.

While no one would be surprised if either side featured again this year on grand final day, both Norths and Uni need to start winning and they need to start winning now.

Eastern Suburbs v Manly

Easts couldn’t match Randwick in the second half of last weekend’s local derby but again showed glimpses of the exciting rugby they can play.

The Beasties are now ninth and need to cause a handful of upsets in the coming weeks if they are going to play finals footy.

Unfortunately, that will be easier said than done this weekend against a Manly side that continue to firm as competition favourites after beating Norths 38-26.

The Marlins are now 12 competition points clear of Randwick in second place and unlike other sides in the top six, continue to name a similar starting XV each week.

That continuity could prove crucial in the months ahead.

Randwick v Warringah

Even with this weekend’s grand final rematch, Randwick and Warringah meet in the match of the round at Coogee Oval on Saturday and it should be an absolute cracker.

After their postponed round 11 fixture was ruled a 0-0 draw, giving both sides two competition points, Randwick and the Rats can both secure a spot in the top three with a win on Saturday.

While in form outside back Reece Robinson is expected to miss the clash, Waratah Dave Horwitz will partner Super Rugby teammate Andrew Kellaway in the centres for the Galloping Greens, but defence may be the key for the home side against a Warringah side that can score from anywhere.

Saturday’s match is the perfect opportunity for both sides to confirm their premiership credentials.

Gordon v Penrith

Gordon kept their finals hopes alive with an impressive 40-28 away win over Parramatta in round 12 and need to do the same this weekend against Penrith.

Highlanders winger Paula Balekana crossed the line again against the Two Blues to move further ahead as the competition’s leading try scorer and will be eager to add to that tally on Saturday.

If Penrith are going to win a game this season, they’re going to do it in the next three weeks, with match ups against Parramatta and West Harbour to follow Saturday’s clash with Gordon.

The Emus have proven they can score points, but it’s their defence that must improve if they’re going to breakthrough for a win soon.