After four rounds the Super Rugby Pacific table is starting to take shape with a few surprises towards the top and at the bottom. As we enter Round 5 two teams will be looking to end their winless start, while others will be hoping to continue their strong starts.
In Kids Round we get a blockbuster Saturday kicking off early with the Waratahs in Fiji, followed by two huge New Zealand derby matches before we finish in Perth where the Force will look to put get a win on the board.
Check out all the team lists, key ins and outs, odds and our tips below.
Friday, March 22
Hurricanes vs.
Melbourne Rebels
Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Hurricanes: Harry Godfrey, Dan Sinkinson, Ngane Punivai, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Aidan Morgan, TJ Perenara, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields (capt), Caleb Delany, Justin Sangster, Tyrel Lomax, James O'Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, James Tucker, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Riley Higgins, Josh Moorby.
Rebels: Andrew Kellaway, Lachie Anderson, Lukas Ripley, David Feliuai, Glen Vaihu, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Rob Leota, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angelo Smith, Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea.
Replacements: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes $1.11, -17.5 $1.90; Rebels $6.20, +17.5 $1.90
Prediction: With four wins in the can Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has made a slew of changes to his side, choosing to make 13 personnel changes to his starting 15 alone and give several of his stars a nice break. Tyrel Lomax and Devan Flanders are the only two starters from last week's win over the Crusaders, while Jordie Barrett makes his awaited return following suspension and TJ Perenara makes his first start of the year. Clearly Laidlaw views the clash with the Rebels as a chance to test out some of his younger stars including rising star Harry Godfrey who's been handed the No.15 jersey in Ruben Love's absence. Meanwhile, the Rebels will need to rectify their slow starts if they're to test the Canes. Smashed out of the blocks early by the Reds last week, Kevin Foote has made several changes of his own swapping out his props with Sam Talakai elevated to the starting role and Taniela Tupou relegated to the bench, while Angelo Smith will get a start in the tight-five alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. With Filipo Daugunu out again due to an ongoing financial dispute, Foote has had to turn to Lukas Ripley in the centres with young guns Jack Maunder and Mason Gordon on the bench. The Rebels will need to show plenty more fight than what they displayed last week if they're to end the Hurricanes' impressive unbeaten run.
Tip: Hurricanes by 12
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ACT Brumbies vs.
Moana Pasifika
GIO Stadium Canberra, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Ollie Sapsford, Hudson Creighton, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Harrison Goddard, Charlie Cale, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Sosefo Kautai, Billy Pollard, Harry Vella.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith.
Moana: Danny Toala, Nigel Ah Wong, Pepesana Patafilo, D'Angelo Leuila, Jyren Taumoefolau, Christian Lealiifano, Ereatara Enari, Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris, Allan Craig, Ola Tauelangi, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole.
Replacements: Tomasi Maka, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, William Havili, Fine Inisi
Odds: [tab.com.au] Drua $1.16, -13.5 $1.85; Moana $5, +13.5 $1.95
Predictions: An ever-growing injury ward at Moana Pasifika has claimed another victim with barnstorming Julian Savea ruled out for the side's massive clash in Canberra. It's a big blow for the side who managed to stun the Force last week and claim their second win for the season, but with the Brumbies suffering an injury crisis of their own, Moana has the chance to swoop in and create more history. Coming home with a wet sail in Dunedin last week, the Brumbies will be riding high, but several forced changes leave them vulnerable. Blake Schoupp, Andy Muirhead and Len Ikitau have all been ruled out with Stephen Larkham forced to make some tactical changes to the line-up, including the promotion of Darcy Swain not just to the starting side but as captain with James Slipper and Ryan Lonergan coming off the bench. Despite the forced changes it should be a home win for the Brumbies, but if they return to an unstructured game that they played in the first half last week, there's a chance Moana could pounce.
Tip: Brumbies by 10
Saturday, March 21
Fijian Drua vs.
NSW Waratahs
Churchill Park, Lautoka, 12:05pm [AEDT]
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Apisalome Vota, Taniela Rakuro, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Simione Kuruvoli, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Leone Rotuisolia, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Epeli Momo
Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Joey Walton, Dylan Pietsch, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Ned Hanigan, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Mahe Vailanu, Angus Bell.
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Lachlan Swinton, Jack Grant, Triston Reilly.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Drua $1.53, -4.5 $1.90; Waratahs $2.45, +4.5 $1.90
Predictions: After two tight losses the last place the Waratahs would want to be heading is Fiji, but with the return of two key personnel Darren Coleman will be hoping his side can find a way to overcome the humid conditions and shock the Drua at home. The return of Max Jorgensen out the back means Mark Nawaqanitwase has returned to his favoured right wing, while Mahe Vailanu's return will bolster their set-piece which will need to be on song to avoid falling into an unstructured scramble the Drua enjoy so much. After claiming an historic win over the Crusaders during their last home clash, the Drua will be determined to do similar against the Tahs. Conditions and the crowd will be on the Drua side, making Lautoka one of the most formidable venues to play at, but if the Tahs can keep cool heads and play with structure they can take it to the wire.
Tip: Drua by 7
Chiefs vs.
Highlanders
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 2:35pm [AEDT]
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Daniel Rona, Rameka Poihipi, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Luke Jacobson (capt), Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord, Reuben O'Neill, Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit.
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Aidan Ross, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Emoni Narawa.
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele'a, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon (capt), Sean Withy, Pari Pari Parkinson, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma'u, Henry Bell, Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Oliver Haig, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Chiefs $1.16, -14.5 $1.90; Highlanders $5, +14.5 $1.90
Predictions: The first of two Kiwi derby clashes, expect fireworks when the Chiefs host the Highlanders in Hamilton. Stunned by the Reds two weeks ago, the Chiefs rebounded strongly as they ran rampant against the Drua and they'll look to do the same this week with Damian McKenzie once again taking the reins as they welcome back Emoni Narawa from a back injury that ruled him out of last year's World Cup, while they've made a switch up in the midfield with Anton Leinert-Brown unavailable with concussion. The return of three All Blacks to the starting side will give them another edge with Tupou Vaa'I, Josh Lord and Quinn Tupaea all promoted to the starting 15. Meanwhile, the Highlanders will be stinging after their home loss to the Brumbies and have made several changes including the return of Rhys Patchell to fly-half. But they've also taken a hit with Ethan de Groot ruled out through HIA protocols with Ayden Johnstone elevated to starting loosehead while Daniel Leinert-Brown moves to the bench.
Tip: Chiefs by 15
Blues vs.
Crusaders
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele'a, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Akira Ioane, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipuloto (capt), Angus Ta'avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes.
Crusaders: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, David Havili (capt), Macca Springer, Riley Hohepa, Willi Heinz, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Dominic Gardiner, Jamie Hannah, Quinten Strange, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, George Bower.
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Joe Moody, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Blues $1.38, -8.5 $1.95; Crusaders $3, +14.5 $1.90
Predictions: One of New Zealand rugby's biggest rivalries, Saturday night's clash in Auckland will be big but perhaps not up to the same standards as has been seen in previous years. Currently 0-4 and their worst start to a Super Rugby season ever, there's a real chance the Crusaders could extend their unwanted history. Going down narrowly to the Hurricanes, Rob Penney has retained Riley Hohepa in the No.10 jersey and has made just one injury-forced change with Zach Gallagher benched through concussion, while he was forced to replace Owen Franks through suspension. In a boost they see the return of plenty of experience through Joe Moody while Mitchell Drummond has also been replaced. Meanwhile, the Blues have received a massive boost with captain Patrick Tuipulotu making his return from a broken jaw he suffered in pre-season, but it also coincides with the loss of Rieko Ioane who suffered a heavy head knock last week. While history isn't on the Blues side - they've claimed just two wins over the Crusaders since 2014 - they should get the job done on Saturday night.
Tip: Blues by 7
Western Force vs.
Queensland Reds
HBF Park, Perth, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Force: Harry Potter, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Nic White, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Tim Anstee, Jeremy Williams, Thomas Franklin, Sanitago Medrano, Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon.
Replacements: Ben Funnell, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman.
Reds: Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Mac Grealy, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai.
Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Taj Annan.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Force $4.20, +11.5 $1.85; Reds $1.22, -11.5 $1.95
Predictions: With three wins from four starts, including an impressive showing over the Rebels last week, the Reds head to Perth red hot favourites. Making several changes in the backline with Isaac Henry ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, the Reds see in the return of Hunter Paisami, while Tom Lynagh has been handed the No.10 jersey and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will come off the bench. In a massive boost, their huge forward pack remains unchanged. Meanwhile, Simon Cron has regained Nic White and Sam Spink with the later forcing a backline reshuffle. Winless so far this season, they'll need everything to go right if they're to knock off the Reds.
Tip: Reds by 15+