Experts Super Rugby semifinal picks

The Waratahs, Highlanders, Hurricanes and Brumbies are all gunning for spots in the Super Rugby final. Photo / NZME and Getty

Our experts make their picks for the two Super Rugby semifinals on Saturday night. Which two teams do they think will make the final?

GREGOR PAUL

Hurricanes v Brumbies

They are playing supremely good football, are full of confidence and appear not to have bought into their past as a team that may not be able to go the distance.

Waratahs v Highlanders

Gut feel - the Highlanders have one more big game in them and now have belief they can beat the best teams.

PATRICK MCKENDRY

Hurricanes v Brumbies

The Hurricanes will have too much firepower across the park for a Brumbies team fairly limited in terms of attack.

Waratahs v Highlanders

The heart says Highlanders, and they can do it if they retain their enthusiasm and ability to attack from anywhere against the Waratahs.

WYNNE GRAY

Hurricanes v Brumbies

Both teams know what it's like to play in tough, cold conditions but the Canes know the Cake Tin best. Invention will outwit earnest.

Waratahs v Highlanders

Home patch, too much forward heat, Michael Cheika's refereeing rapport, Israel Folau and Bernard Foley's goal-kicking.

DANIEL RICHARDSON

Hurricanes v Brumbies

They've been the team to beat all season and home advantage should push them over the line this week.

Waratahs v Highlanders

The Highlanders played their final last weekend when they topped the Chiefs. The Waratahs have big, powerful players who will be tough to contain.

KRIS SHANNON

Hurricanes v Brumbies

An arduous trip from Cape Town is the last thing the Brumbies needed facing the well-rested Hurricanes.

Waratahs v Highlanders

Don't let home advantage fool you. The Highlanders accrued more competition points and edged their semifinal opponents 26-19 in March.

RIKKI SWANNELL

Hurricanes v Brumbies

If the Brumbies can go from South Africa to Canberra then to Wellington and play the best team all season with a crowd of 30,000 against them, it would be akin to a rugby miracle.

Waratahs v Highlanders

Because I'm a romantic who believes in fairytales. Aaron Smith's form is irresistible, there are game breakers throughout the backline and a forward pack that doesn't know when to quit.

NIGEL YALDEN

Hurricanes v Brumbies

These Hurricanes have shown a mental toughness and will run away with this game late.

Waratahs v Highlanders

The Tahs pack will give as good as they get from the confrontational Highlanders' front eight but ultimately gain ascendancy of a tight encounter.