After two postponements, Moana Pasifika will at last make their Super Rugby Pacific debut in Round 3.
It promises to be an historic occasion at Forysth Barr Stadium, despite the lack of a crowd, although the assignment doesn't come any harder than having to front up first against the Crusaders.
The Force, meanwhile, return to Perth after a long period on the road to start the season, with Tim Sampson's side expected to be greeted by a raucous Sea of Blue after the team's strong win over the Rebels last weekend.
Stay across all the line-ups, team news and odds as they come to hand below.
Moana Pasifika vs. Crusaders | Fijian Drua vs. Rebels | Force vs. Reds | Blues vs. Chiefs | Hurricanes vs. Highlanders | Brumbies vs. Waratahs
Friday, March 4
Moana Pasifika vs. Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5.05pm [AEDT]
Moana: William Havili, Tima Fainga'anuku, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Lincoln McClutchie, Ereatara Enari, Henry Time-Stowers, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki, Samuel Slade, Mike McKee, Sekope Kepu, Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Taukiha'amea Koloamatangi, Joe Apikotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali'ifano, Fine Inisi.
Crusaders: Chay Fihaki, George Bridge, Isaiah Punivai, Dallas McLeod, Kini Naholo, Simon Hickey, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Pablo Matera, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Quinten Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Fletcher Newell, Brodie McAlister, George Bower. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Abraham Pole, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo'unga, Inga Finau.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana +47.5 $1.85; Crusaders -47.5 $1.92 [Odds correct as of 9am 2/3]
Verdict: First-up assignments don't come much tougher than the Crusaders, particularly when the game was meant to be your third of the year. Alas, Moana were the unlucky New Zealand-based franchise to be hit with the COVID outbreak and their historic debut had to be put on hold. After a heavy trial defeat to the Chiefs, Aaron Mauger's side is predicted to struggle, though fans will get to see a swathe of Pasifika talent they're not familiar with, and a couple of veteran Wallabies in Sekope Kepu and Christian Leali'ifano. The Crusaders have taken the opportunity to rest several first-choice All Blacks in Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett and Sevu Reece, while Braydon Ennor also has the week off. But Codie Taylor and Richie Mo'unga will both play their first games of the season off the bench. It looks like being a long night for Moana. Crusaders by 50.
Fijian Drua vs. Rebels, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Kawana Waters, 7.45pm [AEDT]
Drua: Baden Kerr, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Caleb Muntz, Penu Matawalu, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Ratu Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuel Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa. Replacements: Medulame Dolokoto, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Saulo, Viliame Rarasea, Rusiate Nasove, Joshua Vuta, Teti Tela, Jona Mataiciwa.
Rebels: Carter Gordon, Young Tonumaipea, Lukas Ripley, Ray Nu'u, Glen Vaihu, Matt To'omua, Joe Powell, Tamati Ioane, Brad Wilkin, Michael Wells (c), Josh Canham, Matt Philip, Cabous Eloff, James Hanson, Cameron Orr. Replacements: Efi Ma'afu, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Rhys Van Nek, Josh Hill, Sam Wallis, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste, Ilikena Vudogo
Odds [tab.com.au] Drua $7.50, +15.5 $1.88; Rebels $1.08, -15.5 $1.88 [Odds correct as of 9am 2/3]
Verdict: With both teams winless after the first two weeks, this Friday night clash looms as one of the most intriguing of Round 3. There is no hiding from the fact that the Rebels have been largely dreadful in attack to start the season, scoring just one try in two games. The team is battling a tough run with injury, but it seems to have no sense of what it wants to do in attack. One shining light has been the performances of Tamati Ioane off the bench, and the big-hitting back-rower has been given the chance to start this week. Meanwhile, young playmaker Carter Gordon returns at fullback a week after being dumped at fly-half for Matt To'omua. The Drua have also scored only the one try in two weeks, but they have looked more lively with ball in hand and showed big improvement at the set-piece last week. If passes stick for the Drua then things could go from bad to worse for the Rebels, and the Fijians have already beaten them in a preseason clash. Drua by 3.
Force vs. Reds, HBF Park, Perth, 10.00pm [AEDT]
Force: Jake Strachan, Toni Pulu, Kyle Godwin, Richard Kahui, Manasa Mataele, Reesjan Pasitoa, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Brynard Stadner, Izack Rodda, Fergus Lee-Warner, Santiago Medrano, Feleti Kaitu'u, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Jack Winchester, Harrison Lloyd, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Kane Koteka, Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre, Gradon Makara.
Reds: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, James O'Connor, Kalani Thomas; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakai-Loto, Angus Blyth, Feao Fotuaika, Josh Nasser, Dane Zander. Replacements: Matt Faessler, Harry Hoopert, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Spencer Jeans, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Force $2.40, +2.5 $1.88; Reds $1.55, -2.5 $1.88 [odds correct as of 9am 2/3]
Verdict: Following their strong win over the Rebels last week, the Force have made two changes to their starting line-up with Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa making his first Super start in the blue jersey, while homegrown Western Australian product Ollie Callan moves into flanker. At the Reds, there's been plenty of chopping and changing with explosive centre Hunter Paisami headlining the list. Making his first start in 2022, Paisami is one of eight changes to the 23, with hooker Josh Nasser making his starting debut and Kalani Thomas making his first appearance this season. In front of a home crowd for the first time this year, the Force will be raring to go and will be eying a shock win after the Reds were forced to leave both captains Liam Wright and Tate McDermott at home through injury, but their huge backline could keep the Force quiet. Reds by 5
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Saturday, March 5
Blues vs. Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland, 2.35pm [AEDT]
Blues: Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (capt), Tom Robinson, Josh Goodhue, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Kurt Eklund, Alex Hodgman. Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett/Zarn Sullivan, AJ Lam.
Chiefs: Chase Tiatia, Shaun Stevenson, Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Josh Ioane, Brad Weber (cc), Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (cc), Tupou Vaa'i, Brodie Retallick, Josh Lord, Sione Mafileo, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Angus Ta'avao, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Blues $1.58, -4.5 $1.85; Chiefs $2.35, +4.5 $1.92 [odds correct as of 9am 2/3]
Verdict: The North Island derby is always a keenly contested affair and this week's version looks no different with both teams laden with All Black quality. The Blues are probably still wondering how they lost last week's game with the Hurricanes, having held an 18-point lead with 13 minutes to play. It will have been a particularly brutal post-game review from coach Leon MacDonald. There is good news for the Blues in the form of skipper Dalton Papali'i, who returns after missing the loss to the Canes, while Beauden Barrett is also bracketed on the bench as he continues to battle lingering concussion symptoms. The Chiefs have meanwhile lost All Blacks back-rower Luke Jacobson, but regained three others with Josh Lord and Tupou Vai'i starting and Anton Lienert-Brown on the bench. This is serious toss of the coin territory, but the home ground advantage and sting in the tail of last week's loss might just turn it the Blues' way. Blues by 2.
Hurricanes vs. Highlanders, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5.05pm [AEDT]
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor, Salesi Rayasi, Ruben Love, Jamie Booth; Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Caleb Delany, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Replacements: Siua Maile, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Devan Flanders, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Peter Umaga-Jensen.
Highlanders: Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Mitch Hunt, Folau Fakatava; Gareth Evans, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Bryn Evans, Jermaine Ainsley, Liam Coltman, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Aaron Smith, Marty Banks, Scott Gregory.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Hurricanes $1.40, -6.5 $1.85; Highlanders $2.90, +6.5 $1.92 [odds correct as of 9am 2/3]
Verdict: The Hurricanes enter their first home encounter buoyed by their dramatic win over the Blues last week. Ardie Savea's match-winner will have put a spring in the step of the Wellington outfit all week, but also rammed home reality that they won't want to leave themselves such a comeback mission each week. The Canes have reverted to youngster Ruben Love at No. 10 while Billy Proctor is back from injury at inside centre. There is also a big inclusion in the back-row with the dogged Du'Plessis Kirifi starting at No. 7. The Highlanders, meanwhile, have handed Folau Fakatava a start at scrum-half, with All Blacks ace Aaron Smith to add some spark off the bench in the second half. But it could well be too late by then. Hurricanes by 10.
Brumbies vs. Waratahs, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7.45pm [AEDT]
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper. Replacements: Billy Pollard, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Chris Feauao-Sautia, Jesse Mogg.
Waratahs: Alex Newsome, Dylan Pietsch, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, James Turner, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon; Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Hugh Sinclair, Jeremy Williams, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell. Replacements: Tom Horton, Te Tera Faulkner, Ruan Smith, Max Douglas, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harrison, Tevita Funa.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Brumbies $1.38, -7.5 $1.88; Waratahs $3.00, +7.5 $1.88 [odds correct as of 9am 2/3]
Verdict: Following a tight loss last week, the Waratahs have made just one change to the starting XV through injury with Geoff Cridge sidelined and Jeremy Willams moving into the second row, while three new faces have been added to the bench in Carlo Tizzano, Will Harrison and Tevita Funa. After their win over the Drua, the Brumbies have named one of their strongest teams, making three changes with Nic White rotating at half-back, Jahrome Brown earning a start and Folau Fainga'a coming in at hooker. One of the fiercest rivalries in Australian rugby, this weekend's clash will be huge, especially as the Tahs hunt for their first win over the Brumbies in nine games. While the Tahs have made tremendous strides under new coach Darren Coleman, the Brumbies remain a well-oiled machine, while a wet-weather game could play into the Brumbies hands. Brumbies by 7.