The Sharks remain the only undefeated side in Super Rugby ahead of Round 5. Catch up with all the latest line-ups, team news and odds for the Easter weekend action below.
Friday, March 25
Hurricanes v Southern Kings, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Hurricanes have won their last six games against South African opposition, their longest such streak in Super Rugby history.
Line-ups
Hurricanes: James Marshall, Cory Jane, Willis Halaholo, Ngani Laumape, Jason Woodward, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, Michael Fatialofa, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Dane Coles (c), Chris Eves. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila, Ben May, Geoff Cridge, Callum Gibbins, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor.
Southern Kings: Jürgen Visser, Luzuko Vulindlu, Stefan Watermeyer, Shane Gates, Malcolm Jaer, Louis Fouché, Ntando Kebe, Jacques Engelbrecht, Stefan Willemse, CJ Velleman, JC Astle, Steven Sykes (c), Jacobie Adriaanse, Edgar Marutlulle, Sti Sithole. Replacements: Martin Bezuidenhoudt, Justin Ackerman, Tom Botha, Schalk Oelofse, Chris Cloete, Kevin Luiters, Elgar Watts, JP du Plessis.
Team News
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has lost patience with under-performing winger Julian Savea, the All Blacks winger dropped from the match-day 23 altogether. Elsewhere, Willis Halaholo, Jason Woodward and Michael Fatialofa all come into the starting side at outside centre, wing and lock respectively, with All Blacks back-rower Victor Vito the main omission due to a calf strain.
The Kings have been forced into five changes following their loss to the Crusaders with Sti Sithole, Stefan Willemse, CJ Velleman and Edgar Marutlulle all coming into the pack while scrum-half Natando Kebe has been promoted to the run-on XV in place of Kevin Luiters.
Greg Growden's verdict: It's going to be hot-cross buns for the Hurricanes early this week. They'll do this easily.
UBET verdict: The Kings look like they will be the whipping boys of the competition and a big underdogs at $17 to win here. They went down by 34 points to the Crusaders last week but lose players to injury, so the money has been for the Hurricanes to cover the line of 33.5 points start.
Saturday March 26
Chiefs v Force, Waikato Stadium, Wellington
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
Force captain Matt Hodgson has won the most turnovers this season (9) while teammate Pekahou Cowan has won four so far, the equal most of any player who's yet to concede a turnover.
Line-ups
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Sam McNicol, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden (co-c), Brad Weber; Michael Leitch, Sam Cane (co-c), Tom Sanders, Taleni Seu, Michael Allardice, Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Atu Moli, Siegfried Fisiihoi, James Tucker, Sam Henwood, Kayne Hammington, Stephen Donald, Toni Pulu.
Force: Dan Haylett-Petty, Marcel Brache, Ben Tapuai, Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea, Semisi Masirewa, Peter Grant, Alby Mathewson, Angus Cottrell, Matt Hodgson, Brynard Stander, Adam Coleman, Ross Haylett-Petty, Tetera Faulkner, Heath Tessmann, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Chris Heiberg, Nathan Charles, Jermaine Ainsley, Sitiveni (Stevie) Mafi, Ben McCalman, Ryan Louwrens, Ian Prior, Albert Nikoro
Team News
The Chiefs have been hit by a couple of further injuries with Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Anton Lienert-Brown both joining a lengthy casualty list. That means there is a start for Brad Weber at half-back while Seta Tamanivalu reclaims the outside centre spot. Elsewhere, Taleni Seu and Siate Tokolahi replace the injured Johan Bardoul and Hiroshi Yamashita due to injury and form respectively.
The Force have made two changes to their starting line-up with Heath Tessmann and Brynard Stander getting the nod to start in the forward pack.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Chiefs' win in Argentina was very impressive and while the travel factor will test them, the Hamilton side will get home. Chiefs by 15.
UBET verdict: The Chiefs return home from a successful tour, but the Force have been in NZ for a week, so that is a plus for them. The money says the Chiefs will win ($1.10), but that the Force can definitely stay within the line of 15 points.
Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
Despite averaging 24.5 points scored across their four matches against the Highlanders, the Rebels have only defeated them once.
Line-ups
Rebels: Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Ben Meehan, Adam Thomson, Sean McMahon, Jordy Reid, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Lauries Weeks, James Hanson, Toby Smith Replacements: Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah Nau, Jamie Hagan, Sem Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Nic Stirzaker, Dan Hawkins, Reece Hodge
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Jack Wilson, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, Shane Christie, Luke Whitelock, Joe Wheeler, Mark Reddish, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds. Replacements: Liam Coltman, Craig Millar, Josh Hohneck, Dan Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Josh Renton, Hayden Parker, Jason Emery.
Team News
The Rebels have made several changes to their line-up with James Hanson returning to the starting line-up, while Pat Leafa, Sione Tuipulotu move to the bench and Reece Hodge returns to the side. Ben Meehan has retained his starting role with Nic Stirzacker set to return from the bench.
The Highlanders will have three players returning from injury among six changes to their starting side. Winger Patrick Osborne, flanker Luke Whitelock and lock Joe Wheeler will all return to the starting line-up, while Ash Dixon comes in for Liam Coltman, who moves to the reserves and Jack Wilson replaces Matt Faddes on the wing.
Greg Growden's verdict: I give Melbourne some chance here but the Highlanders will be keen to make-up for last week's fade-out against the Waratahs. Highlanders should win comfortably.
UBET verdict: The Rebels have spent a lot of time in the air as well and although at home it is hard to go past the Highlanders following their win over the Waratahs last week. They are normally high-scoring matches between these two sides, and the money says the Highlanders should win ($1.50).
Sunwolves v Bulls, Singapore National Stadium
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Bulls haven't won a Super Rugby match outside of South Africa since Round 4, 2013, losing their last 11 such games.
Line-ups
Sunwolves: TBA
Bulls: Warrick Gelant, Jamba Ulengo, Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal, Bjorn Basson, Tian Schoeman, Rudy Paige; Arno Botha, Jannes Kirsten, Roelof Smit, RG Snyman, Jason Jenkins, Marcel van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss (c), Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements: Bandise Maku, Trevor Nyakane, Pierre Schoeman, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Nic de Jager, Piet van Zyl, Francois Brummer, Jan Serfontein.
Team News
*
The Bulls have been strengthened by the return of Springboks centre Jesse Kriel who replaces Jan Serfontein at outside centre while Tian Schoeman has been preferred at fly-half. Up front, there is a start for Jason Jenkins at lock in place of the injured Grant Hattingh while Lizo Gqoboka starts at loosehead prop.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Sunwolves have shown great spirit in their opening games despite the lack of a win. There won't be much in this one, but I think the Bulls' pack will see the South Africans home by three or four points.
UBET verdict: Back to Singapore for the Sunwolves, where they struggled with the humidity a few weeks ago. Although they are the $6.50 outsiders, the Sunwolves only narrowly went down to the Cheetahs last time here, and the Bulls have lost their last 11 matches outside South Africa. Perhaps an upset is on the cards?
Cheetahs v Brumbies, Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
At 70% the Cheetahs have the least effective scrum in Super Rugby 2016 and they lose an average of two scrums per game so far.
Line-ups
Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter, Joubert Englebrecht, Raymond Rhule, Niel Marais, Shaun Venter, Paul Schoeman, Uzair Cassiem, Boom Prinsloo, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Johan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Ox Nche Replacements: Jacques du Toit, Charles Marais, Maks van Dyk, Carl Wegner, Hilton Lobberts, Henco Venter, Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga
Brumbies: Aidan Toua, Joe Tomane, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Robbie Coleman, Christian Lealiifano (c), Tomás Cubelli; Ita Vaea, David Pocock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore (c), Scott Sio. Replacements: Robbie Abel, Allan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Tom Staniforth, Jordan Smiler, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville. Nigel Ah Wong.
Team News
The Cheetahs have made four changes to their line-up with Ox Nche, Johan Coetzee, Francois Uys and Boom Prinsloo are all included in the starting line-up with Charles Marais, Maks van Dyk, Carl Wegner and Henco Venter on the bench.
The Brumbies have been hit by a couple of injuries but have been able to welcome back a couple of experienced heads in their places. In come Robbie Coleman and Ita Vaea at wing and No.8 respectively, the duo replacing Henry Speight (facial injury) and Jarrad Butler (shoulder).
Greg Growden's verdict: The Brumbies have some off-field problems at home, so it's probably a good thing they're away in South Africa. They will be embarrassed by how they went last week, and that should fire them to a 10-point victory.
UBET verdict: The Brumbies are battling some serious off-field drams while they were beaten 31-11 by the Stormers last week; although that scoreline didn't do the Brumbies justice. On previous form they should justify the short quote of $1.22, but beware, the last six matches between these two sides have gone to the home side on each occasion.
Sharks v Crusaders, Kings Park, Durban
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Crusaders have won 16 of their last 20 matches against the Sharks, though three of their losses in that span have been in South Africa.
Line-ups
Sharks: Willie le Roux, JP Pietersen, Paul Jordaan, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Joe Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, Philip van der Walt, Jean-Luc du Preez, Marcell Coetzee, Stephan Lewies, Etienne Oosthuizen, Coenie Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: Kyle Cooper, Juan Schoeman, Lourens Adriaanse, Hyron Andrews, Daniel du Preez, Michael Claassens, Garth April, Odwa Ndungane
Crusaders: David Havili, Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Nemani Nadolo, Richie Mo'unga, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody Replacements: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Mike Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jimmy Tupou, Tim Boys, Mitchell Drumond, Ben Volavola
Team News
The Sharks remain the only side to be unbeaten in the 2016 competition and are yet to conceded a single second half try this season. Gary Gold has made several changes with Philip van der Walt and Jean-Luc du Preez both starting in the backrow, while Coenie Oosthuizen returns to the run on side.
The Crusaders have made seven changes to their starting line-up for their clash in Durban. Joe Moody and Codie Taylor both make their way into the front row alongside Owen Franks this week, with Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett and Mike Alaalatoa providing cover from the bench. Kieran Read steps back into the fray at number 8 and will captain the side, while halfback Andy Ellis has been called up to help drive the backline.
Greg Growden's verdict: I think this is the match of the round. This is the Crusaders' biggest test yet and will give us an idea of where they are at; but I think the Sharks will get home on the back of their local support.
UBET verdict: The Crusaders have won seven of the last nine against the Sharks, including a win in Durban last year. It wasn't just a win either, it was a flogging with the Kiwis winning 52-10! That gives backers of the Crusaders some confidence and there have been plenty happy to take the $2.25.
Sunday March 27
Jaguares v Stormers, Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Stormers average just 15.5 points per game in their last four matches away from home, though they've gone on to win two of those matches.
Line-ups
Jaguares: ...
Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe, Kobus van Wyk, Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh (co-captain), Leolin Zas, Kurt Coleman, Nic Groom, Nizaam Carr, Siya Kolisi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, JD Schickerling, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe (co-captain), Scarra Ntubeni, JC Janse van Rensburg. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble, Vincent Koch, Jan de Klerk, Schalk Burger, Louis Schreuder, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Huw Jones.
Team News
*
The Stormers have made four changes to their line-up with three changes and a positional switch to the forward pack. Scarra Ntubeni will make his first start for the season with Bongi Mbonambi moving to the bench. JD Schickerling will mkae his Stormers starting debut and Sikhumbuzo Notshe returns to the starting line-up.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Jaguares put in a fine effort in their first match at home; their fans will have more to cheer about this week when they defeat the Stormers by five.
UBET verdict: The Jaguares went down narrowly to the Chiefs at home last week while the Stormers had their share of luck when beating the Brumbies. These two sides play different styles, so it will depend who gets on top, and how the game is played as the Stormers are very defensive. The Jaguares are favourites just because of where it will be played.
Reds v Waratahs, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
League-convert Eto Nabuli has averaged 11.5m per carry so far this season, the most of any player who's made more than 20 carries in 2016.
Line-ups
Reds: Karmichael Hunt, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, Eto Nabuli, Jack McIntyre, Nick Frisby, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Hendrik Tui, Rob Simmons, Cadeyrn Neville, Greg Holmes, Andrew Ready, Sef Fa'agase. Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper, Sam Talakai, Ben Matwijow, Curtis Browning, Scott Gale, Sam Greene, Ayumu Goromaru.
Waratahs: Israel Folau, Reece Robinson, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale, Zac Guildford, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Jack Dempsey, Dave Dennis, Dean Mumm, Angus Ta'avao, Tolu Latu, Paddy Ryan. Replacements: Hugh Roach, Benn Robinson, Tom Robertson, Sam Lousi, Wycliff Palu, Matt Lucas, David Horwitz, Matt Carraro.
Team News
The Reds have been boosted by the return of star flanker Liam Gill, the back-rower finally shaking off the injury that has kept him out for the opening four weeks. Gill is the only change to the starting side but there is more quality returning on the bench with skipper James Slipper and hooker Saia Fainga'a both named among the reserves.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has swung the axe following last week's disastrous first half against the Highlanders. No.8 Wycliff Palu has been moved to bench while lock Will Skelton has been dropped altogether; their places have been taken by Jed Holloway and Jack Dempsey respectively, with Dave Dennis moving from No.6 to lock. The biggest inclusion comes in the backline however with Wallabies No.10 Bernard Foley back at fly-half while NRL convert Reece Robinson has earned a maiden run-on start on the right wing.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Reds have shown signs of improvement since their coaching change while the Waratahs were disgraceful for much of their loss to the Highlanders. I'm still going to go with NSW though, they should win by about five points.
UBET verdict: Tricky game. The Reds got a draw last week and showed some improvement while the Waratahs were very poor against the Highlanders, particularly in the first 60 minutes. The Waratahs have won the last five against the Reds, including the last two in Brisbane. These two did play in Sydney in Round 1 when the Waratahs won 30-10, but the money says it will be a lot closer this week.