The semifinals of the Super 12 will be underway shortly, and a double on the Hurricanes and the Bulls for the final next week might be worth taking on through the bookies.

It will pay about $8 and might be just the thing at the end of a season marred by ups and downs of a number of teams, including these two fierce competitors from New Zealand and South Africa.

The Hurricanes have been the dark horse of the competition and have carried out the theory that a star team will beat a team of stars.

Against the Crusaders last week, going down by 20 points, they were not at their best, but with the return of Captain Tana Umunga and flanker Gerry Collins will be at full strength.

The Crusaders defence has been suspect, and although they have scored a ton of tries themselves, they have had the most scored against them, too. Tonight it will be that defence, especially around the rucks, that will let them down.

No team struggles as hard as the Bulls have to regain some form after early losses -- down the Stormers by 75-14 last week for the first time ever -- and not try as hard as they can to make the trip over the Indian Ocean worthwhile without giving it their very best shot.

Last week, the form of the forwards was devastating and the backs showed some real brilliance in scoring 10 tries in 80 minutes of free flowing rugby.

As for the Waratahs -- a home semi -- 42,000 screaming locals -- and a full strength team and who would pick against them?

Everyone has been wondering when their magic bubble will burst and it could be Saturday night at the Sydney Football Stadium when the big match atmosphere will be too much for a team that has failed to taste real success in the past.

Not that the Bulls have either, but expect the Bulls to show a greater commitment than the locals.

If this happens, it could be a Super 12 final in South Africa next weekend at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria -- one for the record books and a game that would have to favor the Bulls.

Let?s sit back and watch, and, as they say in the classics these days -- enjoy!