Four weeks in and two teams remain unbeaten as we close in on the halfway mark.
While the Hurricanes are all but out of title contention, the four remaining sides have time to move their way to the top of the ladder.
The Highlanders kick off the weekend in Dunedin against the Crusaders, while the Hurricanes head to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs where both sides will be searching for their first wins.
Read on for fixtures, team lists and odds.
Saturday, July 4
Highlanders vs. Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm (AEST)
Highlanders: Michael Collins, Ngatungane Punivai, Rob Thompson, Sio Tomkinson, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Paripari Parkinson, Jeff Thwaites, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Replacements: Ash Dixon, Ayden Jonstone, Siate Tokolahi, Jack Whetton, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Kayne Hammington, Bryn Gatland, Vilimoni Koroi
Crusaders: David Havili, Will Jordan, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Faingaanuku, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Tom Chrisite, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Dunshea, Samuel Whitelock, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Replacements: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Quinten Strange, Sione Havili, Ereatara Enari, Fetuli Paea, Sevu Reece.
Odds: Highlanders $3.80 (+10.5 $1.90) Crusaders $1.27 (-10.5 $1.90)
Verdict: South Island derbies always produce fireworks and expect plenty this weekend when the Highlanders host the Crusaders in Dunedin. Under the closed roof, it;ll be a fast paced, high tempo clash with both teams certain to use the ball and put on some razzle dazzle. While the Highlanders showed courage last week when they almost upset the Blues, the Crusaders have looked close to unbeatable in their three matches to date. Despite making five changes to their starting line-up, the Crusaders will be full of fire and will no doubt make a fast start that the Highlanders will struggle to overcome. Crusaders by 12
Sunday, July 5
Chiefs vs Hurricanes, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 1:35pm (AEST)
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Tumua Manu, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber, Pita Gus Sowakula, Same Cane, Lachlan Boshier, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Mitchell Browne, Nepo Laulala, Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Reuben O'Neill, Ross Geldenhuys, Tupou Vaa'i, Dylan Nel, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kaleb Trask, Solomon Alaimalo
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Kobus Van Wyk, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Scott Scrafton, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Fraser Armstrong. Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May, Alex Fidow, Vaea Fifita, Devan Flanders/Liam Mitchell, Jamie Booth, Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen.
Odds: Chiefs $1.44 (-6.5 $1.90) Hurricanes $2.80 (+6.5 $1.90)
Verdict: It's a battle of the cellar-dwellars in Round 4 with both the Chiefs and Hurricanes hunting for their first win. The Hurricanes are back to full strength as they welcome back Jordie Barrett who's been sidelined with a shoulder injury, while the Chiefs have made five changes with Anton Lienert-Brown sidelined with a concussion. Lienert-Brown's sidelining is a major blow for the Chiefs who are feeling the pressure to keep their campaign alive. With the return of Barrett to start alongside Ardie Savea, Dane Coles and TJ Perenara, the Hurricanes will be challenged but should get their first win on the board. Hurricanes by 7
BYE: Blues