Super Rugby AU enters it's first round of away games with a grudge match between the Tahs and the Reds in Sydney, as Super Rugby Aotearoa plays out their final round of their first cycle.
Read on as we bring you the latest line-ups, team news, odds and analysis for all four fixtures this weekend.
SUPER RUGBY AU
Friday, March 26
Brumbies vs. Western Force, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7.45pm [AEDT]
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Mack Hansen, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a, Harry Lloyd.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, James Tucker, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Reesjan Pasitoa, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa
Force: Jack McGregor, Byron Ralston, Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Taefu, Marcel Brache, Jack McIntyre, Tomas Cubelli, Brynard Stande, Kane Koteka, Fergus Lee Warner, Sitaleki Timani, Jeremy Thrush, Greg Holmes, Feleti Kaitu'u, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Jack Winchester, Angus Wagner, Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauley, Tim Anstee, Ian Prior, Jono Lance, Jordan Olowofela
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies: $1.16, -13.5 $1.85. Force: $5.20, +13.5 $1.95
Verdict: Two weeks on, the Brumbies will no doubt still be smarting after their last minute loss to the Reds in Canberra. It was their first loss at home in nine matches and saw them drop to second on the Super Rugby AU table for the first time. They haven't suffered back-to-back defeats since 2019 however, making the Force's chances of sneaking away from Canberra with a win even more unlikely. The Force did well to stay in the match with the Reds last week, forcing Queensland to work hard for their points, but in the end they lacked the finish to close out the match. The loss of Richard Kahui and Rob Kearney is a massive blow for the side who need all the experience to pressure the Brumbies. Tip: Expect the Force to stay in the match for the first 60, but the Brumbies will be simply too clinical for the visitors. Brumbies by 15
Saturday, March 27
NSW Waratahs vs. Queensland Reds, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 7:45pm [AEDT]
Waratahs: Jack Maddocks, Alex Newsome, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, James Ramm, Will Harrison, Jack Grant, Will Harris, Caro Tizzano, Hugh Sinclair, Sam Caird, Sam Wykes, Te Tera Faulkner, David Porecki, Harry Johnson Holkmes.
Replacements: Tom Horton, Angus Bell, Darcy Breen, Jeremy Williams, Max Douglas, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Mark Nawaqanitawase
Reds: Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Tate McDermott, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dane Zander.
Replacements: Alex Mafi, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Harry Wilson, Sam Wallis, Kalani Thomas, Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs: $5.80, +16.5 $1.85. Reds: $1.14, -16.5 $1.95
Verdict: Look away now Waratahs fans, after four weeks of poor performances round six doesn't promise to be much better. Despite the uplifting news of Izaia Perese and Angus Bells return, it was all but voided by the loss of Jack Dempsey, Lachie Swinton and Tepai Moeroa. The loss of Dempsey and Swinton ravages the Waratahs backline who will be put to task against an impressive Seru Uru, Fraser Mcreight and Angus Scott-Young from the Reds. Pereses return bolsters the Tahs backline, who've struggled over the past weeks to find rhythm and space, but he alongside Will Harrison, Jack Maddocks and the remaining backline will have to play an almost perfect game to try stop a rampaging Reds who've lit up the competition so far. Expect fireworks from the likes of James O'Connor Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia who have continually raised their hands for Wallabies selection. Tip: In round one the Reds defeated the Tahs by a record 34 points. Expect just as much blood shed this week. Reds by 30+
BYE: Rebels
Ep 3 of ESPN Scrum Reset is in! This week @HulaBulaJim joins @ChristypDoran & @Sambruce86 to review Reds-Brums classic, look at some @wallabies selections & give an update on France's visit Down Under https://t.co/cPfPrpNxU7
— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) March 17, 2021
SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA
Friday, March 26
Highlanders vs. Hurricanes, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5.05pm [AEDT]
Highlanders: Josh Ioane, Freedom Vahaakolo, Michaels Collins, Patelesio Tomkinson, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson, Bryn Evans, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon, Ethan De Groot.
Replacements: Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, Kazuki Himeno, Folau Fakatave, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Connor Garden-Bachop
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Billy Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Salesi Rayasi, Orbyn Leger, Luke Cmapbell, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Scott Scrafton, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Xavier Numia.
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Fraser Armstrong, Tevita Mafileo, Liam Mitchell, Devan Flanders, Jonathan Tauateine, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ruben Love
Odds: [tab.com.au] Highlanders: $1.62, -3.5 $1.90. Hurricanes: $2.30, +3.5 $1.90
Verdict: Neither side have exactly lit up the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition so far with the Highlanders winning just one match, while the Hurricanes remain winless after they fell flat in the second-half against the Chiefs last week. The Highlanders will be aiming to get their season back on track naming their fourth fullback in four matches. In a surprise move Tony Brown has moved Josh Ioane into the 15 jersey with Mitch Hunt taking on the playmaking role. This should give Ioane more space to spread and play his style of rugby, while giving Hunt the play maker reins. The Hurricanes meanwhile will hope the return of Dane Coles can bolster the pack after Jackson Garden-Bachop joined the growing injury list. Coles' return is a welcome sight for the Canes who blew a 26-7 lead last week, but the side will need more than just leadership to right their campaign. Tip: Expect it to be a close contest in Dunedin, but the home side will get it done. Highlanders by 7.
Saturday, March 27
Chiefs vs. Blues, HMG Stadium Waikato, 5.05pm [AEDT]
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson, Anton Leinert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Sean Wainui, Kaleb Trask, Brad Weber, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane, Mitchell Brown, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Angus Ta'avao, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Reuben O'Neill, Simon Parker, Pita Gus Sowakula, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Alex Nankivell, Chase Tiatia
Blues: Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Otere Black, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Nepo Laulala, Luteru Tolai, Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: Leni Apisai, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Tom Robinson, Adrian Choat, Jonathan Ruru, TJ Faiane.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Chiefs: $2.55, +5.5 $1.90. Blues: $1.52, -5.5 $1.90
Verdict: The Chiefs finally registered a win last week, ending a 12-game stretch of defeats that was one short of the all-time New Zealand record. Central to that comeback victory over the Hurricanes was Damian McKenzie, the fullback's shift to fly-half setting the Chiefs' attack alight and he again looms large in this fixture. The Blues weren't disgraced by the Crusaders and were close enough inside the final quarter to take the contest, but they let themselves down with poor disciplines; Kurt Eklund's wrestling move on Sevu Reece simply inexplicable. The Blues might just have the edge up front in this one, particularly with the return of Dalton Papali'i; but the Chiefs will also be free of the pressure that goes with such a long run of defeats. Expect a tight contest. Blues by three.
Bye: Crusaders