With just three rounds remaining, the race for the top spot is heating up with at least three teams still in the hunt for the inaugural Super Rugby Aotearoa title.
After the Blues shock loss to the Hurricanes last week, the Crusaders have moved five points clear on the leader board, but the Hurricanes and Blues can close the gap if they both post wins this weekend.
It'll be a hard task for the Hurricanes, who face the Crusaders at home in Christchurch, a fortress they've yet to be defeated in in 46 games. It should be a much easier weekend for the Blues who host the Chiefs. Despite holding a huge first half lead against the Highlanders last week, the Chiefs are yet to secure a win and are likely to finish round 7 winless still.
Read on for fixtures, team lists and odds.
Saturday, July 25
Crusaders vs. Hurricanes, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEST)
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Fetuli Paea, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Tom Christie, Tom Sanders, Mitch Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.
Replacements: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Quinten Strange, Sione Havili, Mitch Drummond, Brett Cameron, Leicester Fainga'anuku
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, 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, Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong.
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Tevita Mafileo, Alex Fidow, Isaia Walker0Leawere, Vaea Fifita, Jamie Booth, Vince Aso, Chase Tiatia
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders $1.23 (-11.5 $1.90), Hurricanes $3.00 (+11.5 $1.90)
Verdict: In Ben Lam's 50th and final match for the Hurricanes, his side will face the hard task of ending the Crusaders 36-match unbeaten run at home. Coming off the back of a strong win over the Blues last weekend, the Hurricanes will be confident they've finally found some rhythm in their backline while their set-piece is starting to dominate, but the loss of Dane Coles will be disappointing. The Crusaders were pushed by the Blues in Round 5, but demonstrated just how hard they are to beat. The loss of Braydon Ennor will see Fetuli Paea make his starting debut while Will Jordan slots into fullback. The two changes are unlikely to give the Crusaders too many troubles. Crusaders by 9
Sunday, July 26
Blues vs. Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland, 1:35pm (AEST)
Blues: Matt Duffie, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioabe, TJ Faiane, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali'i, Blake ibson, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Sione Mafileo, Josh Goodhue, Tony Lamborn, Sam Nock, Otere Black/Emoni Narawa, Harry Plummer.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Solomon Alaimalo, Kaleb Trask, Brad Weber, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (c), Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Tupou Vaa'i, Nepo Laulala, Bradley Slater, Reuben O'Neill.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Ross Geldenhuys, Adam Thomson, Mitchell Karpik, Lisati Milo-Harris, Aaron Cruden, Quinn Tupaea.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues $1.40 (-7.5 $1.90), Chiefs $3.00 (+7.5 $1.90)
Verdict: The big news for this one is the return of Beauden Barrett to No. 10, in a lot of people's eyes it's a move that's a few weeks too late. Still, the superstar's return to the position he prefers makes this must-watch rugby, and will certainly be of interest to All Blacks coach Ian Foster, despite the fact he was the man that shifted Barrett to fullback last year. The Blues should have far too much for the winless Chiefs, who just seem to have lost the ability to win. None of their defeats have come by big margins, but they have been unable to land the vital blows when necessary. In the absence of Hoskins Sotutu, look for another big game from the resurgent Akira Ioane and his in-form back-row teammate Dalton Papali'i. Blues by 12.
BYE: Highlanders