We're now a third of the way through the regular season of Super Rugby Pacific, and it's the Chiefs who sit clear at the top of the ladder.
Clayton McMillan's side got through a rugged battle with the Waratahs to retain their unbeaten record, after hours earlier the Brumbies had suffered the their first loss of the season away to the Crusaders.
This week, local derbies on either side of the Tasman take centre stage, while the Drua will also be happy to be back on home soil when they host the Rebels.
Stay across all the line-ups, team news and odds for Round 6 as they come to hand below.
Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders | Reds vs. Crusaders | Fijian Drua vs. Rebels | Chiefs vs. Blues | Brumbies vs. Waratahs | Hurricanes vs. Force
Friday, March 24
Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders, Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Moana: William Havili, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neri Fomami, Lincoln McClutchie, Ereatara Enari; Solomone Funaki, Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Faiilagi, Samuel Slade, Michael Curry, Suetena Asomua, Samuiuela Mou, Ezekiel Lindenmuth. Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole, Joe Apikotoa, Mike MCkee, Noah Mau'u, Manu Paea, D'Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi.
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith; Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (c), Sean Withy, Will Tucker, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Leni Apisai, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Miller, Marino Mikaele Tu'u.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana $5, +15.5 $1.85; Highlanders $1.15, -15.5 $1.90 [odds correct as of 11am 28/3]
Verdict: It's been a rough start to the year for Moana, who slumped to their fifth straight defeat with an ugly 59-0 loss to the Hurricanes. Aaron Mauger's side simply had no answer to the raw power of the Hurricanes' attack, exemplified by Ardie Savea throwing defenders off at will. The Highlanders don't boast the same firepower, but they will be buoyed by back-to-back wins to get their season rolling. This looms as a vital game for the visitors if they hope to play finals football, and they are slowly returning to full health with Shannon Frizell and Marino Mikaele Tu'u among the replacements this week. If they can repel a potential first-half charge from Moana, then the Highlanders should have too much class and depth on the bench to avoid any chance of an upset. Highlanders by 15.
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Reds vs. Crusaders, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Reds: Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai. Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Taj Annan, Mac Grealy.
Crusaders: Fergus Burke, Pepesana Patafilo, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Richie Mo'unga, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Sione Havili-Talitui, Dom Gardiner, Scott Barrett (c), Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Willi Heinz, Will Gualter, Chay Fihaki.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Reds $4, +12.5 $1.85; Crusaders $1.22, -12.5.5 $1.90 [odds correct as of 11am 28/3]
Verdict: It's been 11 long games since the Reds beat the Crusaders, with the red-and-blacks winning those by an average of 20 points. The two sides met in back-to-back clashes in Round 15 and then the quarterfinals last year, but this time around the venue is Brisbane where Queensland will expect to mount a greater challenge. Certainly Brad Thorn's side will be disappointed with their loss away to the Rebels last week, a game they probably should have won and might have done so but for a questionable late TMO call. Tate McDermott returns to the starting side this week while lock Angus Blyth makes a timely return from the bench. The Crusaders have had plenty of injury woes themselves with big guns Sam Whitelock, Jack Goodhue and Will Jordan all currently out of action, an injury ward that has swollen with the addition of Sevu Reece and Ethan Blackadder. Still, the Crusaders depth has been a feature of their success and those absences are well covered. But if the Reds can achieve parity up front, they might just be able to nick this one in what would be a timely win for trans-Tasman honour. Reds by 3.
Saturday, March 25
Fijian Drua vs. Rebels, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 2:35pm [AEDT]
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Eroni Sau, Teti Tela, Frank Lomani, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Jone Tiko, Tevita Ikanivere, Emosi Tuqiri. Replacements:Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Michael Naitokani, Taniela Rakuro.
Rebels: Joe Pincus, Lachie Anderson, Reece Hodge, Stacey Illi, Monty Ioane, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Brad Wilkin, Josh Kemeny, Josh Canham, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Sam Talakai, Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon. Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa'amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, David Feliuai, Andrew Kellaway.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Drua $1.62, -3.5 $1.90; Rebels $2.20, +3.5 $1.85 [odds correct as of 11am 28/3]
Verdict: Fresh off their shock win over the Reds last weekend, the Rebels will be keen to make a statement again this weekend, but we all know how threatening a Drua side in Fiji can be. Back home for the first time since their own highly impressive win over the Crusaders, the Drua will be determined to get another win on the board after they were punished by the Highlanders in Dunedin. It's fortuitious timing for the Rebels who welcome back three Wallabies stars in Andrew Kellaway who makes his return from injury off the bench in his first appearance this year, while Reece Hodge will make a start at outside centre after injuring his hand earlier this month. Jordan Uelese will also make his return off the bench. Kellaway's return is a big win for the Rebels who'll need his skills at breaking the defence open and finishing capabilties in the closing moments of the match. Expecting wet and steamy weather, the Drua will be sure to use the conditions to their advantage as they look to overpower and over run the Rebels in the heat. Expect a wet and slippery ball to play havoc on the match, but home town advantage will be too much for the Rebels to overcome. Fiji by 8
Chiefs vs. Blues, FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Roma, Rameka Poihipi, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i, Brodie Retallick, John Ryan, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Aidan Ross, George Dyer, Naitoa, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Liam Coombes-Fabling.
Blues: Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c), Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Cameron Suafoa, Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay. Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Lay, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens/Zarn Sullivan.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Chiefs $1.75, -1.5 $1.87; Blues $2, +1.5 $1.87 [odds correct as of 11am 28/3]
Verdict: The game of the round. The Battle of the Bombays, as it is dubbed, has a bevvy of All Blacks on show, with several massive head-to-head positional showdowns taking centre stage. They don't come any bigger than Sam Cane vs. Dalton Papalii, the All Blacks skipper and the bloke who wants his No. 7 jersey. While Cane's spot is regarded as safe, he would really love to teach his younger rival a thing or two in Hamilton. The showdown between Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett is one that is worth the price of admission alone. Are the Blues the team to end the Chiefs' run, though? The Aucklanders will certainly be well rested, having welcomed back each of Rieko Ioane, Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Finlay Christie, Papalii and Nepo Laulala; but they perhaps haven't been playing with the same continuity and ruthlessness that saw them reach last year's final. The Chiefs survived a tough one against the Waratahs last week and will enjoy being back at home. Chiefs by 3.
Brumbies vs. Waratahs, GIO Stadium Park, Canberra, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Nic White; Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper. Replacements: Rhys Van Nek, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Sam Thomson, Jahrome Brown, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O'Donnell.
Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon; Will Harris, Michael Hooper, Taleni Seu, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Dave Porecki, Te Tera Faulkner. Replacements: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Zac Von Appen, Hunter Ward, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Brumbies $1.26, -9.5 $1.90; Waratahs $3.60, +9.5 $1.85 [odds correct as of 11am 28/3]
Verdict: The Brumbies have declared Tah Week is dead after a 10-game win streak against their neighbours, but expect there to be plenty of fireworks when the sides run out for a Round 1 rematch at GIO stadium on Saturday night. Welcoming back their firepower following last week's loss to the Crusaders, the Brumbies have recalled James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White, and Tom Wright after they were sat out following Wallabies rest protocols, while Len Ikitau is also fit to start at outside centre. For the Waratahs, who fell short against the Chiefs last weekend and who are on one win from five, they've recalled big guns of their own with Max Jorgensen coming it at fullback as he looks to add to his double against the Brumbies, meanwhile Lalakai Foketi has also bolstered the Tahs' backline in what should bring some polish to their attacking framework. Naming a relatively unchanged line-up for the first time this season, the Tahs will be hoping some consistency will aide them in getting over the line in Canberra, but a hostile crowd and a well-oiled Brumbies team will be ready to greet them. Brumbies by 6
Sunday March 26
Hurricanes vs. Force, Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, 1:35pm [AEDT]
Hurricanes: Harry Godfrey, Daniel Sinkinson, Bailyn Sullivan, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Brett Cameron, Jamie Booth; Brayden Iose, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Dominic Bird, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles (captain), Pouri Rakete-Stones. Replacements: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, TK Howden, Peter Lakai, Cameron Roigard, Riley Higgins, Kini Naholo.
Force: Chase Tiatia, Zach Kibirige, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Toni Pulu, Hamish Stewart, Gareth Simpson; Rahboni Vosayaco, Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Jeremy Williams, Feli Kalapu, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Feleti Kaitu'u, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Jackson Pugh, Issak Fines-Leileiwasa, Bryce Hegarty, George Poolman.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Hurricanes $1.05, -20.5 $1.85; Force $8.50, +20.5 $1.90 [odds correct as of 11am 28/3]
Verdict: Sunday's game brings to an end a tough three-week stint in New Zealand for the Force, and it is unlikely to finish on a bright note. While the visitors haven't been disgraced in either of their losses to the Highlanders and Blues, they really didn't look like winning either. Perhaps the best coach Simon Cron can hope for is continued improvement, which they certainly showed in Auckland last week. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, will be choc full of confidence following their hammering of the hapless Moana Pasifika, in which Ardie Savea was particularly dominant. The skipper gets a break this week, but there is still more than enough firepower to run up a score on the Force. Hurricanes by 22.