The playoffs are edging ever closer and with every side a mathematical chance of reaching the top 8 the next few weeks will be crucial.
After a massive win at home last week, the Crusaders will bolstered once again with several big name returns, while the Hurricanes will be looking to bounce back quickly after suffering their first loss of the season.
Check out all the team lists, key ins and outs, odds and our tips below.
Friday, May 3
Hurricanes vs.
NSW Waratahs
Sky Stadium Wellington;5:05pm [AEST]
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan, Brett Cameron, Richard Judd, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du'Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi
Waratahs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Triston Reilly, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Peitsch, Will Harrison, Jake Gordon, Langi Gleeson, Hunter Ward, Lachlan Swinton, Fergus Lee-Warner, Hugh Sinclair, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer.
Replacements: Jay Fonokalafi, Lewis Ponini, Brad Amituanai, Miles Amatosero, Charlie Gamble, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Vuate Karawalevu.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes $1.05, -19.5 $1.85; Waratahs $9, +19.5 $1.95
Prediction: Unable to keep up with the Chiefs last week, the Tahs will face an even sterner test when they travel to Wellington on Friday to face a Hurricanes side who suffered their first loss of the season. Already suffering an injury crisis in the forward pack, they've suffered a fresh blow with Ned Hanigan and Tom Ross ruled out, while Charlie Gamble and Miles Matosero were shifted to the bench due to niggles. Meanwhile, Darren Coleman has made some shifts out back as well with Will Harrison given the keys and Tane Edmed shifted to the bench in a game that could make or break their top 8 chances. The Hurricanes have made several changes of their own with Du'Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett and Salesi Rayasi creating a stacked bench.
Tip: Hurricanes by 10
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Melbourne Rebels vs.
Blues
AAMI Park, Melbourne, 7:35pm [AEST]
Rebels: Andrew Kellaway, Filipo Daugunu, Matt Proctor, David Feliuai, Darby Lancaster, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Rob Leota, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Josh Kemney, Josh Canham, Angelo Smith, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea.
Replacements: Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Jack Maunder, Jake Strachan, Lachie Anderson.
Blues: Cole Forbes, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'I, Anton Segner, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, PJ Sheck, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cam Suafoa, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Bryce Heem
Odds: [tab.com.au] Rebels $5.50, +14.5 $1.95; Blues $1.14, -14.5 $1.85
Verdict: Hit hard by the Crusaders last week, the road ahead doesn't get any easier for the Rebels when they take on the in-form Blues in Auckland. In response to some scrummaging woes Rebels coach Kevin Foote has replaced his entire front-row with Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese and Taniela Tupou moved into the starting roles. Meanwhile, in a massive boost captain Rob Leota makes his return. After their win over the Reds last week, the Blues have made some changes of their own with PJ Sheck making his debut as he joins an experienced front-row, while some shuffling in the backline has seen Caleb Clarke move to the left wing with Mark Tele'a taking on the right. It won't be a blow out like we witnessed last week, but the Rebels will be up against it and will need to shake their tendency for poor starts if they're to derail the Blues at home.
Tip: Blues by 12
Saturday, May 4
Moana Pasifika vs.
Highlanders
Teufaiva Stadium, Tonga, 12:05pm [AEST]
Moana: William Havili, Viliami Fine, Henry Taefu, Julian Savea, Fine Inisi, Christian Lealiifano, Jonathan Taumateine, Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole.
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Solomone Funaki, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkins, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele'a, Jake Te Hiwi, Connor Garden-Bachop, Cam Miller, Folau Fakatava, Billy Harmon, Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma'u, Henry Bell, Daniel Leinert-Brown.
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogado.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Moana $1.75, -1.5 $1.90; Highlanders $2.05, +1.5 $1.90
Verdict: Super Rugby in Tonga, say no more! Moana Pasifika will make history on Saturday when they take their first home game to Tonga with 12 players of Tongan heritage set to feature in their side. Overrun by the Drua in Fiji last week, they still remain in the top 8 hunt but will need to get some wins on the board quickly with the Highlanders rip for the picking and sitting just one point ahead of them on the table. Former Wallaby Christian Lealiifano will take the reins while William Havili shifts to fullback in what could be an explosive clash.
Tip: Moana by 3
Crusaders vs.
Queensland Reds
Apollo Projects Stadium Christchurch, 2:35pm [AEST]
Crusaders: Leigh Halfpenny, Johnny McNicholl, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Brodie McAlister, George Bower.
Replacements: George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki
Reds: Jock Campbell, Tim Ryan, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Mac Grealy, Lawson Creighton, Kalani Thomas, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai.
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Sef Fa'agase, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, John Bryant, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Crusaders $1.28, -9.5 $1.95; Reds $3.60, +9.5 $1.85
Verdict: Are the Crusaders back?! Just a few weeks ago it seemed their season was over but with one huge win over the Rebels there's every chance they can make it into the top 8 and enter the playoffs. Welcoming back a sleuth of top names including Leigh Halfpenny, Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua, while David Havili will make a radical switch into the playmaker role. It's a different story for the Reds though with their own fly-half Tom Lynagh ruled out through a hamstring twinge replaced by Lawson Creighton, but at least they'll see the welcome return of Fraser McReight from suspension. Dropping down to six, the Reds desperately need a win here to solidify their top 8 ranking.
Tip: Crusaders by 3
Chiefs vs.
Western Force
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm [AEST]
Chiefs: Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupawa, Daniel Rona, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Kalyum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Kauvaka Kalvelata, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane
Force: Kurtley Beale, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Jeremy Williams, Tom Franklin, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Josh Bartlett.
Replacements: Feleti Kaitu'u, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Henry O'Donnell
Odds: [tab.com.au] Chiefs $1.03, -22.5 $1.90; Force $11, +22.5 $1.90
Verdict: After a lackluster clash in Dunedin, the Force travel north to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs. The challenge has been made even harder though, with Wallabies Sam Carter and Nic White ruled out. But it's not all bad news with Jeremy Williams returning to the starting side and Tom Franklin moved into the second-row. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have made some changes of their own with prop Kauvaka Kaivelata set to make his debut and captain Luke Jacobson makes his return via the bench.
Tip: Chiefs by 15
Brumbies vs.
Fijian Drua
GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:35pm [AEST]
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Ollie Sapsford, Noah Lolesio, Harrison Goddard, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Jahrome Brown, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Connal McInerney, James Slipper.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Harry Vella, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton.
Drua: Selestino Ravutaumada, Junior Ratvua, Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Taniela Rakuro, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Peni Matawalu, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: Mesu Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Ilaisa Droasese
Odds: [tab.com.au] Brumbies $1.12, -14.5 $1.90; Drua $6, +14.5 $1.90
Verdict: Have the Brumbies finally found their groove? The first side to defeat the Hurricanes this year, the Brumbies put together perhaps their most complete performance of the season and Brumbies Stephen Larkham has not taking the Drua lightly this week, bringing in several heavyweight names including Wallabies Connal McInerney, Nick Frost and Tom Hooper. There has been shuffling in the backline too with Andy Muirhead brought in for Corey Toole and Harrison Goddard given the No.9 jersey. The Drua, meanwhile, have made 10 changes of their own with winger Selestino Ravutaumada shifting to fullback, while the clash between the Valetini brothers is sure to light up the match.
Tip: Brumbies by 10