Super Rugby is into its fifth week, with the Crusaders, Chiefs and Stormers all still unbeaten. Catch up with all the team news and key stats here.
Friday, March 31
Highlanders ($1.04) v Melbourne Rebels ($11), Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Highlanders have won each of their last five games on home turf against Australian opposition, though they've won by an average margin of just eight points.
Melbourne Rebels have managed only one win from their previous 14 games in New Zealand.
Line-ups
Highlanders: Ben Smith (Captain), Tevita Li, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Elliot Dixon, Tupou Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.
Rebels: Jack Debreczeni, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Marika Koroibete, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Nic Stirzaker (Captain), Amanaki Mafi, Colby Fainga'a, Jordy Reid, Steve Cummins, Culum Retallick, Laurie Weeks, James Hanson, Fereti Sa'aga. Reserves: Siliva Siliva, Tom Moloney, Tyrel Lomax, Dominic Day, Lopeti Timani, Jake Schatz, Esei Haangana, Mick Snowden, Sione Tuipulotu, Ben Volavola.
Team News
Aaron Smith plays his 100th Super Rugby match -- all for the Highlanders. He will partner Marty Banks in the halves as Fletcher Smith moves to the bench, while Tevita Li returns to the wing to replace Sio Tomkinson. Aki Seiuli, Joe Wheeler and Gareth Evans move from the bench to the starting team while Elliot Dixon and Daniel Lienert-Brown get a break from the starting lineup this week.
The Melbourne Rebels have made one change to their starting line-up with Mitch Inman recalled to the starting line-up after a shoulder injury to Sefa Naivalu against the Waratahs sidelined the winger. Inman will move to the centres with Tom English shifting to the wing.
UBET verdict: Last 5 away games the Rebels have conceded an average of 51 points, and the betting here would suggest they will be on the end of another hiding.
Tips: Greg Growden - Highlanders, Sam Bruce - Highlanders
Saturday April 1
Blues ($1.07) v Force ($8.50), Eden Park, Auckland
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Blues are undefeated in their last seven games against the Force; their only loss to the Western Australian side in Super Rugby came in Round 5, 2008.
The Blues have won each of their last seven games at home against Australian opposition, surpassing 40 points scored on three occasions in that span.
Line-ups
Blues: Michael Colllins; Matt Duffie, George Moala, TJ Faiane, Melani Nanai; Piers Francis, Augustine Pulu; Jerome Kaino, Murphy Taramai, Jimmy Tupou; Patrick Tuipulotu, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti; Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons (c), Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu'ungafasi/Sam Prattley, Sione Mafileo, Scott Scrafton, Akira Ioane, Billy Guyton, Ihaia West, Rieko Ioane.
Force: Dane Haylett-Petty, Chance Peni, Marcel Brache, Billy Meakes, Alex Newsome, Jono Lance, Ryan Louwrens, Isi Naisarani, Matt Hodgson, Ross Haylett-Petty, Richie Arnold, Matt Philip, Tetera Faulkner, Tatfu Polota-Nau, Ben Daley. Reserves: Anaru Rangi, Pek Cowan, Shambeckler Vui, Richard Hardwick, Kane Koteka, Michael Ruru, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman.
Team News
The Blues have named two changes to their side with Rieko Ioane moved to the bench with debutant TJ Faiane promoted to inside centre and George Moala shifted to centre. Tana Umaga's second change is at openside flanker, with Blake Gibson dropped and Murphy Taramai called up.
After an injury to Jermiane Ainsley last week, Richie Arnold has been given his first start in only his second game. Bill Meakes comes back into the squad after recovering from an ankle injury whilst Dane Haylett-Petty returns to fullback. On the bench and looking set to make their debuts this season are Anaru Rangi and Shambeckler Vui.
UBET verdict: The Blues are another short favourite who really look like winning this round. Force have only won once from last 10 trips away from home, and the side from Auckland starting to run into some good form should see them win easily.
Tips: Greg Growden - Blues, Sam Bruce - Blues
Chiefs ($1.06) v Bulls ($8.50), FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Chiefs are undefeated in their last three games against the Bulls, and will be looking to win back-to-back games against them for the first time since Round 10, 2002.
The Chiefs have lost just one of their 10 home games against the Bulls, winning each of their last two.
Line-ups
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie; Shaun Stevenson, Anton Leinert-Brown, Johnny Faauli, James Lowe; Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow; Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Liam Messam; Brodie Retallick, Dominic Bird; Nepo Laulala, Hika Elliot, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi. Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Kane Hames, Atu Moli, Taleni Seu, Mitchell Karpik, Finlay Christie, Stephen Donald, Solomon Alaimalo.
Bulls: Jesse Kriel, Travis Ismaiel, Jan Serfontein, Burger Odendaal, Jamba Ulengo, Handre Pollard, Rudy Paige, Aron Botha, Nick de Jager, Ruan Steenkamp, Lood De Jager, RG Synman, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Straucc (c), Pierre Schoeman. Reserves: Edgar Marutlulle, Lizo Gqoboka, Jacobie Adriaanse, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Kirsten, Piet van Zyl, Tian Schoeman, Warrick Gelant
Team News
Liam Messam will become the eighth player to make 150 Super Rugby appearances, and the sixth New Zealand player to reach the milestone. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi makes his first start of the season, while Hika Elliot returns at hooker, after coming off the bench in the Chiefs' 27-14 win over the Rebels last week in Melbourne, and Michael Leitch returns from suspension. Johnny Faauli returns to the starting line-up at second five-eighth to partner All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown, while Aaron Cruden will again be calling the shots at No.10 after being named in the reserves two weeks ago. James Lowe is back on the left wing after being rested in Melbourne, while Damian McKenzie returns to fullback and the versatile Shaun Stevenson shifts back to the right wing.
The Bulls' Arno Botha will make a first appearance of the season, replacing injured Hanro Liebenberg at No. 8 while Nollis Marais also makes a couple of rotational changes from the side that lost to the Blues last weekend. Jesse Kriel moves from centre to fullback in place of Warrick Gelant, who will play of the bench. Burger Odendaal is back in the run-on team, alongside Jan Serfontein in midfield, while at scrumhalf Rudy Paige and Piet van Zyl swops jerseys. Locks RG Snyman and Jason Jenkins also swap, as do loosehead, props Lizo Gqoboka and Pierre Schoeman.
UBET verdict: Bulls are another side who struggle away from home hence the big odds, but can be competitive. Average of 62 points between these 2 sides in last 7 games against each other, so there may be some value in the game totals.
Tips: Greg Growden - Chiefs, Sam Bruce - Chiefs
Reds ($7.50) v Hurricanes ($1.08), GIO Stadium, Canberra
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Hurricanes have won 12 of their last 14 games against the Reds, including each of the last three by an average margin of 15 points.
Six of the Reds' last nine games at home have been decided by three points or fewer, including each of the last three.
Line-ups
Reds: Karmichael Hunt; Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Duncan Paia'aua, Eto Nabuli; Jake McIntyre, James Tuttle; Scott Higginbotham, George Smith, Adam Korczyk; Kane Dougals, Rob Simmons; Sam Talakai, Stephen Moore, Markus Vanzati. Reserves: Andrew Ready, Kirwan Sanday, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Tui, Hendrik Tui, Nick Frisby, Hamish Stewart, Izaia Perese.
Highlanders: Jordie Barrett; Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields; Michael Fatialofa, Mark Abbott; Jeffery To'omago-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Ben May, Mike Kainga, Sam Lousi, Reed Prinsep, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Pita Ahki
Team News
Reds coach Nick Stiles has made four changes to the starting side to take on the 2016 Super Rugby champions. Lock Rob Simmons returns to the starting side in place of injured Izack Rodda, while George Smith returns to the starting No. 7, with Adam Korczyk shifting to blindside flanker and Hendrik Tui moving to the bench. In the backs, Chris Kuridrani returns to the starting wing, with Izaia Perese on the bench. Stiles has also named one potential debutant, with Queensland U20s flyhalf Hamish Stewart on the bench.
The Hurricanes have made just one change to their line-up with Ricky Riccitelli named as Dane Coles replacement with the captain rested for the match due to a bruised knee suffered during the Hurricanes win over the Highlanders.
UBET verdict: Reds have lost 4 on the trot since round 1, have to travel back from Argentina, and take on the Hurricanes who have beaten them in 6 of the last 7 meetings. The betting says the Reds are going to struggle, and the money is also for the Hurricanes to win by at least 15 points.
Tip: Greg Growden - Hurricanes, Sam Bruce -
Stormers ($1.20) v Cheetahs ($4.40), DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Stormers have won each of their last four regular season games at home, scoring an average of 38 points per game in that span.
The Cheetahs have won just two of their last 13 games away from home within South Africa, and haven't won an away game against the Stormers since Round 6, 2006.
Line-ups
Stormers: SP Marais, Cheslin Kolbe, EW Vilijoen, Dan du Plessis, Dillyn Leyds, Robert du Preez, Jano Vermaak, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Siya Kolisi (c), Cobus Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: Ramone Samuels, Cayulib Oosthuizen, Oli Kebble, Chris van Zyl, Nizaam Carr, Dewaldt Duvenage, Kurt Coleman, Dan Kriel.
Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies; Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter (c), Niel Marais, Raymond Rhule; Fred Zeilinga, Shaun Venter; Henco Venter, Oupa Mohoje, Paul Schoeman; Francois Uys, Armandt Koster; Johan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Charles Marais. Reserves: Elandre Huggett, Ox Nche, Tom Botha, Carl Wegner, Niell Jordaan, Tian Meyer, Nico Lee, Luther Obi.
Team News
Junior Springboks back-rower Cobus Wiese makes his first Super Rugby, in place of the injured Rynhardt Elstadt, having excelled from the bench against the Lions last week. Springboks Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth and Frans Malherbe return to bolster the front five, while SP Marais and Cheslin Kolbe are back at fullback and right wing after being rested and missing through injury respectively.
Cheetahs star Sergeal Petersen returns after a knee injury, replacing JW Jonker who stepped in for him last week. Loosehead prop Charles Marais replaces Ox Nche, while Armandt Koster replaces Justin Basson at lock and Niel Marais replaces Nico Lee in midfield.
UBET verdict: The Cheetahs are awful away from home, 8 losses in a row, and in the last 4 meetings, the Stormers have beaten them by an average of 24 points. All the facts and figures point towards a big Stormers win.
Tip: Greg Growden - Stormers, Sam Bruce - Stormers
Lions ($1.22) v Sharks ($4.20), Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Lions have won each of their last eight games on home turf, winning by an average margin of 26 points per game across than span.
The Sharks have won their last two away games, the last time they enjoyed a longer streak was a stretch of three road wins in Round 3, 2016, which equaled the club record.
Line-ups
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Madosh Tambwe, Harold Vorster, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley (Captain), Ruan Ackermann, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen. Reserves: Akker van der Merwe, Sti Sithole/Corné Fourie, Johannes Jonker/Hencus van Wyk, Lourens Erasmus, Kwagga Smith, Ross Cronjé, Jacques Nel, Dillon Smit/Lionel Mapoe.
Sharks: Garth April, Kobus van Wyk, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Curwin Bosch, Cobus Reinach, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Tera Mtembu (c), Ruan Botha, Etienne Oosthuizen, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Thomas du Toit. Reserves: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, Lourens Adriaanse, Stephan Lewies, Jacques Vermeulen, Michael Claassens, Inny Radebe, Jeremy Ward.
Team News
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UBET verdict: Bit more competitive than some of the other matches this round but although the Lions have really only been a force for the last 2 seasons, the Sharks always struggle to beat them away from home having won only twice in 7 years. The Lions need to win these matches to sure up the South African conference and should do so.
Tips: Greg Growden - Lions, Sam Bruce - Lions
Waratahs ($3.50) v Crusaders ($1.30), Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The spoils are split at four wins apiece between these clubs in their last eight meetings in New South Wales, with the average winning margin across those games coming in at just four points per game.
The Crusaders have won on their last four visits to Australia, the last time they enjoyed a longer streak was a club-best five straight wins from 1999 to 2000.
Line-ups
Waratahs: Cam Clark; Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, David Horowitz, Andrew Kellaway; Mack Mason, Jake Gordon; Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper (c), Ned Hanigan; Will Skelton, Dean Mumm; Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Roberston. Reserves: Damian Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, David Lolohea, David McDuling, Michael Wells, Nick Phipps, Irae Simone, Taqele Naiyaravoro.
Crusaders: David Havili, Digby Ioane, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Mitchell Hunt, Mitchell Drummond, Whetu Douglas, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Bryn Hall, Marty McKenzie, Manasa Mataele.
Team news
The Waratahs have named a reshuffled side following last week's win over the Rebels with flyhalf Bernard Foley ruled out with ongoing concussion symptoms. This has seen debutant Mack Mason named in the No.10 jersey, with Israel Folau moved to outside centre and Cam Clark slotting into fullback. Rob Horne has also been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made four changes to his pack that starting against the Force last weekend. Joe Moody returns to the line-up to start at loosehead prop, with Wyatt Crockett covering on the bench. Scott Barrett, who had a successful outing at 6 last week, moves back into his more familiar position of lock alongside Sam Whitelock, with Luke Romano in the reserves. Jordan Taufua shifts to 6 and Whetu Douglas returns at Number 8.
UBET verdict: The Waratahs were the last Aussie team to beat the Crusaders, and that was back in 2015. They have also won 2 of the last 3 encounters when playing the Crusaders in Sydney, so that record must give them some hope. But the money is with the Kiwi side to finish up what may be a pretty ordinary round for the Australian teams.
Tips: Greg Growden - Crusaders, Sam Bruce - Crusaders