In our final round of bye weeks we are again treated to just four matches across Friday and Saturday nights as teams begin to prepare for the backend of the season.
Watching on in Round 8, the Crusaders return to the line-up on Friday night as they head to Melbourne where the Rebels also took a much needed break. Meanwhile the Blues will play hosts to the Waratahs who won just their second game of the season on Saturday night.
To kick off the weekend the unbeaten Chiefs will take on the Drua while the Force will close out the weekend with the Highlanders in Perth.
Stay across all the line-ups, team news and odds for Round 6 as they come to hand below.
Chiefs vs. Fijian Drua | Melbourne Rebels vs. Crusaders | Blues vs. Waratahs | Force vs. Highlanders
Friday, April 21
Chiefs vs. Fijian Drua, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm[AEDT]
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson, Daniel Rona, Rameka Poihipi, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Bryn Gatland, Cortez Ratima, Pita Gus Sowakula, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Brodie Retallick, John Ryan, Samisoni Taukei-aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Solomone Tukuafu, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'I, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Gideon Wrampling.
Drua: Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese, Apisalome Vota, Michael Maitokani, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Teti Tela, Peni Matawalu, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Josea Tamani, Leone Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Kalione Nasoko, Kitione Taliga.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.02, -23.5 $1.02, Drua $11, +23.5 $1.87 (Correct as of 20/4 4pm)
Verdict: Unbeaten so far this year, the Chiefs have been forced into two changes with Sam Cane and Luke Jacobson sitting out through concussion protocols, while Brad Webber has been rested ahead of next week's clash with the Crusaders. Meanwhile the Drua have made several changes of their own following their close loss to the Brumbies last week. Making their first starts of the season Haereiti Hetet in the front row and Michael Naitokano in the centres, while Olympic gold medalist Kalione Nasoko returns via the bench for the first time this season. Coming back from a nine-point deficit last week, the Chiefs shook off the cobwebs and flaunted their silky skills in the second half, while the Drua put up a huge fight against the Brumbies but couldn't hold them out in the end. Returning to Waikato the Chiefs will be raring to put on a show for their home crowd. Tip: Chiefs by 15
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Melbourne Rebels vs. Crusaders, AAMI Park, Melbourne 7:35pm[AEDT]
Rebels: Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Stacey Ili, Monty Ioane, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Brad Wilkin, Josh Kemeny, Trevor Hosea, Josh Canham, Sam Talakai, Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon. Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr, Pone Fa'amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Lukas Ripley, Joe Pincus
Crusaders: Fergus Burke, Pepesana Patafilo, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Macca Springer, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Dom Gardiner, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Rebels $6.50, +16.5 $1.90, Crusaders $2.09, -16.5 $1.85
Verdict: Punished by the Blues ahead of their bye weekend, the Rebels are determined to fire a shot in their crucial clash with the Crusaders. Making five changes to their starting 15, Matt Gibbon and Sam Talakai return to the front row, while Stacey Ili moves into centre pushing Reece Hodge to No.13 and Andrew Kellaway slots into fullback. Meanwhile, the Crusaders have welcomed back their heavy artillery with Sam Whitelock and Cullen Grace making their injury returns. The Rebels need a big win to keep them in touching distance of the top 8 as they currently sit 10th on the ladder. For the Crusaders they'll want to produce a strong 80-minute performance after they almost slipped against Moana two weeks ago. Tip: Crusaders by 18
Saturday, April 22
Blues vs. Waratahs, Eden Park, Auckland 5:05pm[AEDT]
Blues: Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan.
Waratahs: Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen, Izaia Perese, Joey Walton, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Will Harris, Hunter Ward, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Tolu Latu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Michael Icely, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Mosese Tuipulotu
Odds: [tab.com.au] Blues $1.05, -20.5 $1.90, Waratahs $8.50, +20.5 $1.85
Verdict: The Blues have named for all intents and purposes their strongest squad available for Saturday night with back-to-back victory very much in mind. Smashing the Rebels two weeks ago, the Blues will be keen to replicate the same style of play against a young Waratahs side that will be without many of their key players. Welcoming back Stephen Perofeta and Hoskins Sotutu the Blues will have plenty to play for as they celebrate Beauden Barrett's 150th Super game. Meanwhile the Waratahs will be hoping to come home with unscathed and with at least a losing bonus point after they were forced to sit Michael Hooper, Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawase due to Wallabies protocols while Dave Porecki and Ned Hanigan miss out through concussion and Lachie Swinton begins his ban. Tip: Blues by 15
Western Force vs. Highlanders, HBF Park, Perth, 7:35pm[AEDT]
Force: Chase Tiatia, Toni Pulu, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Manasa Mataele, Bryce Hegarty, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Michael Wells, Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Jeremy Williams, Felix Kalapu Jr., Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Feleti Kaitu'u, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Rahboni Vosayaco, Ian Prior, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman.
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, James Arscott, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Will Tucker, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Leni Apisai, Daniel Leinert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Fabian Holland, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Freddie Burns, Josh Timu.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Western Force $3.30, +9.5 $1.87, Highlanders $1.30, -9.5 $1.87
Verdict: Blown out by the Waratahs last weekend the Force will be looking to ambush a Highlanders side without Aaron Smith or Folau Fakatava. Forced to name 22-year-old James Arscott at halfback, the Highlanders will be hoping the returns of Mitch Hunt, Freddie Burns, Will Tucker, Fabian Holland, Connor Garden-Bachop and Josh Timu will be enough to cover the young halfback. For the Force they'll welcome back captain Michael Wells and fly-half Bryce Hegarty in a position that has seen plenty of chopping and changing over the weeks. Smashed hard by injury they've been forced to make a change in the back three with Zack Kibirige unavailable, while Toni Pulu makes his return. In better news their front row remains unchanged. Tip: Force by 3