Easter has rolled in early this year and alongside the chocolates it's also brought four massive derby clashes across both New Zealand and Australia.
Topping the table and currently unbeaten, the Hurricanes have brought out the big guns for their trip south to Dunedin, while the Crusaders have been forced to contend with another injury as they look to avoid a 0-6 start to the season.
Elsewhere the Waratahs are eyeing their first win in three matches when they host the Rebels, and the Reds will want to bounce back quickly when they take on the Brumbies in Brisbane.
Check out all the team lists, key ins and outs, odds and our tips below.
Friday, March 29
Crusaders vs.
Chiefs
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Crusaders: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Johnny McNicholl, Riley Hohepa, Mitchell Drummond, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Corey Kellow, Jamie Hannah, Quinten Strange, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, George Bower.
Replacements: James Mullen, Kershawl Sykes Martin, Owen Franks, Dominic Gardiner, Fletcher Anderson, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer.
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Luke Jacobson, Kaylum Boshier, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Daniel Rona.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders $3, +6.5 $1.90; Chiefs $1.36, -6.5 $1.85
Prediction: Somehow things continue to get worse for the Crusaders with Rob Penney now without inside centre David Havili, who was ruled out through injury. But there is some good news with lock Quinten Strange making his return from a neck strain as Penney five changes to his side, while prop Joe Moody has missed out on the 23 all together. It's a huge clash for Penney and his Crusaders with the side staring down the barrel of more bad history if they fall short against the high flying Chiefs. Previously a graveyard for travelling sides, even the Crusaders home ground won't be much help if they don't clean up the many issues that dogged their game last week. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have taken the chance to rest playmaker Damien McKenzie with Josh Jacomb given the No.10 jersey. It's a gamble from the title contenders with the side so far losing their direction once McKenzie's come from the pitch. The return of Anton Lienert-Brown after missing last week will give their backline a boost though.
Tip: Chiefs by 14+
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NSW Waratahs vs.
Melbourne Rebels
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Joey Walton, Dylan Pietsch, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Lachlan Swinton, Hugh Sinclair, Jed Holloway, Tom Ross, Mahe Vailanu, Angus Bell.
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Miles Amatosero, Ned Hanigan, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Lalakai Foketi.
Rebels: Jake Strachan, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, David Feliuai, Darby Lancaster, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Rob Leota, Josh Kemeny, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angelo Smith, Sam Talakai, Jordan Uelese, Matt Gibbon.
Replacements: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Waratahs $1.23, -9.5 $1.80; Rebels $3.90, +9.5 $1.95
Predictions: It's win or bust for the Waratahs as they look to get their season back on track. It's been a frustrating three week block for the Waratahs after they lost all three clashes in heartbreaking fashion, including a golden point loss to the Fijian Drua last week. The signs are there the Waratahs are on an upward trajectory, but they are yet to close out a game since their win over the Crusaders in Round 2. It's looking just as dire for the Rebels after they were put to the sword twice in two weeks in heavy losses, but at least they seem to have sorted their off field issues with Filipo Daugunu who makes his return to the starting line-up. In a huge boost for the Tahs they'll welcome back Will Harrison for his first game in over 700 days, while Lalakai Foketi will get his first game this season after he a horrific training injury on the eve of the season. Back at home, the Waratahs should be too good, but the Rebels are always threatening an upset.
Tip: Waratahs by 5
Saturday, March 30
Fijian Drua vs.
Western Force
Churchill Park, Lautoka, 12:05pm [AEDT]
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Leone Rotuisolia, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Waqa Nalaga, Taniela Rakuro
Force: Harry Potter, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Nic White, Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Tim Anstee, Lopeti Faifua, Thomas Franklin, Sanitago Medrano, Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon.
Replacements: Ben Funnell, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Sam Carter, Ollie Callan, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Drua $1.18, -11.5 $1.87; Force $4.50, +11.5 $1.87
Predictions: Who saw last week coming? Winless to start the season the Force pulled off the upset of the year so far, downing the Reds in emphatic fashion. But the challenge now is backing it up in the Lautoka heat. The Drua have proven previously how hard it is to get a win in Fiji, including a golden point win over the Waratahs last week, and they'll be full of zest with the chance to play in front of their home crowd for a second week straight. Showcasing forward pack domination last week, the Force will have to do the same again on Saturday if they're to give themselves a solid platform for their backline to fire off. While Fiji's set-piece has come a long way, they still love broken play and the Force's defence will need to be as solid as it was last week if they're to have a chance of coming home with a win in the bag.
Tip: Drua by 7
Moana Pasifika vs.
Blues
Eden Park, Auckland, 2:35pm [AEDT]
Moana: Danny Toala, Nigel Ah Wong, Pepesana Patafilo, Julian Savea, Fine Inisi, Christian Lealiifano, Ereatara Enari, Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole.
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Donald Brighouse, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, William Havili, Kyren Taumoefolau.
Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Anton Segner, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Soane Vikena, Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Moana $10, +21.5 $1.85; Blues $1.03, -21.5 $1.87
Predictions: They condemned the Crusaders to a fifth straight loss but it was hardly the clinical performance they would have been hoping for with the Blues making plenty of mistakes in the wet. While it's put down as an away game, they'll be feeling right at home at Eden Park and they'll be preparing to celebrate Ricky Riccitelli's 100th Super Rugby clash with a big win. Meanwhile, Moana were soundly beaten last week by the Brumbies, where they failed to curtail the opposition's attacking threats. They will be bolstered this week though with competition top try scorer Julian Savea returning from injury and moving into the centres. Going down to the final seconds last year, Moana will be hoping they can flip the script this time around.
Tip: Blues by 3
Highlanders vs.
Hurricanes
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon, Sean Withy, Max Hicks, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma'u, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Oliver Haig, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Josh Timu.
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields (capt), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia.
Replacements: James O'Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du'Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngane Punivai.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Highlanders $3.80, +10.5 $1.87; Hurricanes $1.24, -10.5 $1.87
Predictions: Unbeaten so far this year, don't expect the run to end any time soon as the Hurricanes head south to Dunedin. Making 13 changes to their starting line-up last week, Clark Laidlaw has restored his full strength side to face the Highlanders with Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Brad Shields and Jordie Barrett the only players to retain their positions. It's a strong message from Laidlaw as he looks to to add to his rivals' woes. After a poor start against the Chiefs last week, they managed to push the game to the final minutes, but they'll need to clean up their game when they take on the Canes. Forced to find a replacement for Tanielu Tele'a after he was suspended, Jonah Lowe has been pushed into the centres while Jermaine Ainsley is also missing as he undergoes further scans on a back injury. Under the roof, this match up promises to be fast and furious.
Tip: Hurricanes by 12
Queensland Reds vs.
ACT Brumbies
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Reds: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Mac Grealy, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai.
Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Zane Nonggorr, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Ollie Sapsford, Hudson Creighton, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Sosefo Kautai, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Harry Vella, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goodard, Declan Meredith.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Reds $1.60, -3.5 $1.90; Brumbies $2.25, +3.5 $1.85
Predictions: After a flying start to their season, the Reds came across a sudden roadblock last week when they were caught napping by the Force in Perth. Unable to make the impact with their set-piece or their highly rated backrow, the Reds suffered just their second loss of the season, but returning home they'll be keen to make things right. Les Kiss has made just a few tweaks to his line-up with Jeffery Toomaga-Allen moving into the starting 15, while Jordan Petaia in the No.14 jersey for Suliasi Vunivalu. The Brumbies, meanwhile, will be hoping to make it a double dose of losses with Stephen Larkham naming his most experienced Wallaby James Slipper in his starting line-up. He'll pack down beside fellow Wallaby Lachie Lonergan. The rest of the side remains relatively unchanged with their strike weapons of Corey Toole, Tom Wright and Ollie Sapsford ready to put on a show in Brisbane.
Tip: Reds by 3