The playoffs are edging ever closer and with every side a mathematical chance of reaching the top eight the next few weeks will be crucial.
Snapping a 25-year drought last week, the Reds return home with an eye on breaking into the top four. Meanwhile, it's a top two clash between the Blues and Hurricanes in the match of the round.
Check out all the team lists, key ins and outs, odds and our tips below.
Friday, May 10
Moana Pasifika vs.
Chiefs
Go Media Stadium, Auckland; 5:05pm [AEST]
Moana: Danny Toala, Nigel Ah Wong, Pepasana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Neria Fomai, D'Angelo Leuila, Aisea Halo, Lotu Inisi, Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Semisi Paea, Suetena Asomua, Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu.
Replacements: Tomasi Maka, Abraham Pole, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Irie Papuni, Siasosi Nginingini, Otumaka Mausia, Kyren Taumoefolau.
Chiefs: Etene Nanai Saturo, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupea, Daniel Rona, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe; Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'I, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Rueben O'Neill, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris.
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Sione Ahio, Hamilton Burr, Tom Florence, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Pohipi, Gideon Wrampling
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana $14, -29.5 $1.90; Chiefs $1.01, +29.5 $1.90
Prediction: The Chiefs put the Force to the sword last week and should do similarly bad things to Moana in this one. With Damian McKenzie in concussion protocols and also fulfilling an All Blacks mandated rest week, young No. 10 Josh Jacomb gets the chance to shine. Skipper Luke Jacobson and powerful hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho are back in the run-on side while Etene Nanai-Seturo gets a run at fullback. Moana were last week in the contest with the Highlanders in a first-ever Super Rugby game in Tonga, but failed to master the conditions and slipped to an untimely defeat. They remain in the hunt for the playoffs, but their assignment will only get tougher after this weekend.
Tip: Chiefs by 35.
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Queensland Reds vs.
Melbourne Rebels
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm [AEST]
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, Sef Fa'agase.
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravi, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, John Bryant, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Rebels: Andrew Kellaway, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, Nick Jooste, Darby Lancaster, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Rob Leota, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Josh Kemeny, Josh Canham, Angelo Smith, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea.
Replacements: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Jack Maunder, Jake Strachan, Glen Vaihu
Odds: [tab.com.au] Reds $1.17, -12.5 $1.90; Rebels $4.80, +12.5 $1.90
Verdict: Emotions are still running high in Queensland after the Reds' drought-breaking win in Christchurch, a result that suggests they are not only worthy of finals inclusion, but also capable of doing some damage in the postseason, too. In further good news at Ballymore, the Reds also announced the re-signing of Hunter Paisami this week, the centre staying at the club for two more years. Coach Les Kiss has meanwhile rewarded Kalani Thomas for his stellar play in the absence of Tate McDermott, with the Wallabies No. 9 to return from suspension via the bench, while Sef Fa'agase is the only change to the starting side at loosehead prop. The Rebels, meanwhile, stuck it to the Blues for 70 minutes, but were unable to come away with any points for their efforts and their finals hopes are suddenly on shaky ground. This match sees Taniela Tupou return to Suncorp for the first time since his switch to the Rebels and he will be determined to deliver a strong showing. While this match has the feel of a banana-skin to it for Queensland, the confidence they have built in recent weeks should see them through it.
Tip: Reds by 12.
Saturday, May 11
Blues vs.
Hurricanes
Eden Park, Auckland 2:35pm [AEST]
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele'a, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'I, Akira Ioane, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Josh Morby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Kianu Kereru-Symers, Xavier Numia.
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan
Odds: [tab.com.au] Blues $1.75, -1.5 $1.90; Hurricanes $2.05, +1.5 $1.90
Verdict: The clear game of the round, and probably the season to date, awaits Saturday afternoon when first and second do battle at Eden Park. Both teams have suffered just one defeat all year, with the Hurricanes bouncing back from their loss to the Brumbies with an impressive rout of the Waratahs. The Blues, meanwhile, continue to shine under Vern Cotter, their ability to absorb pressure and then sting their opponents quickly thereafter among their many positive traits. The Aucklanders welcome back Zarn Sullivan at fullback but have lost Rieko Ioane to concussion after a nasty knock last week; meanwhile up front, Sam Darry, Akira Ioane and Marcel Renata come into the starting side. The Hurricanes have also switched things up with TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett and Kini Naholo restored to the starting backline, while Brad Shields and Xavier Numia bolster the pack. On paper, this match has all the makings of a classic and with top seeding in the playoffs likely to go to the winner, there is much to play for. Here's hoping a big crowd turns up at Eden Park -- it might just be enough to will the Blues home.
Tip: Blues by 5.
Highlanders vs.
Crusaders
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm [AEST]
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele'a, Jake Te Hiwi, Martin Bogado, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava; Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Jermaine Ansley, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Ma'u, Will Tucker, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley
Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Tayloe, Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Odds: [tab.com.au] Highlanders $2.90, +6.5 $1.85; Crusaders $1.40, -6.5 $1.95
Verdict: While the game in Auckland is pivotal at the top of the ladder, this contest in Dunedin is just as important for the bottom. A win in the Southern Derby at home will just about be enough for the Highlanders to book their semifinal spot, while a loss for the Crusaders would leave their season on life support. So there is much at stake. The Cantabrians have received three bits of good news this week, with skipper Scott Barrett's back injury not as bad as first thought, hooker Codie Taylor set to make his return from sabbatical, and prop Tamaiti Williams also back after he injured his hamstring way back in Round 1. The Highlanders have meanwhile made one forced change with Pumas flyer Martin Bogado replacing the injured Conor Garden-Bachop. While their form suggests otherwise, the key Crusaders inclusions have them as deserved favourites for this one.
Tip: Crusaders by 7.
NSW Waratahs vs.
Brumbies
Allianz Stadium Sydney, 7:35pm [AEST]
Waratahs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Will Harrison, Jake Gordon; Jed Holloway, Charlie Gamble, Lachlan Swinton, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jay Fonokalafi, Hayden Thomspon-Stringer.
Replacements: Ben Sugars, Lewis Ponini, Pone Fa'amausuli, Hugh Sinclair, Hunter Ward, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Izaia Perese.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Ollie Spasford, Jack Debreczeni, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Connol McInerney, Harry Vella.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Sosefo Kautai, Caderyn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ben O'Donnell.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Waratahs $3.80, +10.5 $1.85; Brumbies $1.26, -10.5 $1.95
Verdict: Another week has brought further injury woe for the Waratahs, who are now onto their fifth hooker of the year. There is some good news in the team's wretched injury run, however, with a lone deal bringing Wallabies prop Pone Fa'amausili north from the Rebels in a move that is good for both he and NSW. Badly beaten up by the Hurricanes, the Waratahs will be a tougher nut to crack at home but they have lost their last 12 matches to the Brumbies and that is likely to continue here. The Brumbies are without sharp-shooter Noah Lolesio, while there is still no Corey Toole, but coach Stephen Larkham has named an imposing bench that will add plenty of second-half starch. Furthermore, Larkham will want a response after the Brumbies very nearly slipped up at home to the Drua.
Tip: Brumbies by 12.
Western Force vs.
Fijian Drua
HBF Park, Perth, 9:55pm [AEST]
Force: Kurtley Beale, George Poolman, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Izack Rodda, Jeremy Williams, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Marley Pearce.
Replacements: Feleti Kaitu'u, Harry Hoopert, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Michael Wells, Henry Robertson, Sam Spink, Henry O'Donnell
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, 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: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Epeli Momo
Odds: [tab.com.au] Force $2.05, +1.5 $1.90; Drua $1.75, -1.5 $1.90
Verdict: It's now or never for the Force as they fight to keep their finals hopes alive against the Drua to round out Round 12. Smashed by the Chiefs just a week after they failed to take their chances against the Highlanders, the Force cannot afford to lose another game. They are a much better team at home, where last month they took care of the Crusaders in arguably the best performance from their entire history, and will need something similar to down the Drua. But that is no given, particularly after the Fijians ran the Brumbies perilously close in Canberra. If Mick Byrne's side can produce the same scrum dominance, and then sting the Force out wide, then they may well come home from Western Australia with their finals place nearly assured.
Tip: Drua by 3.
