The race for the finals is heating up with plenty of teams jostling for a position in the top 8.
Kicking off this weekend's action, the unbeaten Chiefs head to Dunedin to face a downtrodden Highlanders, meanwhile the match of the round is between the Reds and the Waratahs with ladder position implications on the agenda.
Stay across all the line-ups, team news and odds for Round 6 as they come to hand below.
Highlanders vs. Chiefs | Fijian Drua vs. Hurricanes | Crusaders vs. Force | Blues vs. Moana Pasifika | Queensland Reds vs. Waratahs | Melbourne Rebels vs. Brumbies
Friday, May 5
Highlanders vs. Chiefs, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm[AEDT]
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Scott Gregory, Freddie Burns, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Will Tucker, Fabian Holland, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Josh Dickson, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki.
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Anton Lienert-Brown, Peniasi Malimali, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Alex Nankivell.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders $5, +143.5 $1.87; Chiefs $1.15, -13.5 $1.87
Verdict: Unbeaten after nine rounds, the Chiefs are on a hot streak not many will be able to slow down and after the Highlanders fell by one-point to the Waratahs last week, it's unlikely they'll be the team to the business. Making it two from two against the Crusaders last week, the Chiefs have named the strongest team available to them as they welcome back Anton Lienert-Brown form injury while Brodie Retallick will miss the clash with a groin injury. Meanwhile the Highlanders have wielded the axe, dropping Mitch Hunt from No.10 and elevating Freddie Burns with Thomas Umaga-Jensen restored at No 12. Down in Dunedin, the roof at Forsyth Barr makes any home ground advantage redundant. The Highlanders will put up a fight, but it could be one-way traffic by the end. Tip: Chiefs by 15
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Saturday, May 6
Fijian Drua vs. Hurricanes, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji, 12:05pm[AEDT]
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Taniela Rakuro, Teti Tela, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Vlive Miramira, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Koroi, Etonia Waqa, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Eroni Sau
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Aidan Morgan, Cameron Roigard, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Justin Sangster, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, TK Howden, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Harry Godfrey, Salesi Rayasi.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Fijian Drua $4, +11.5 $1.85; Hurricanes $1.22, -11.5 $1.90
Verdict: Losing their first match in Fiji last week, the Drua will be hurting, but it's not going to get any easier this week with a high-flying Hurricanes coming to town. Downing the Brumbies last weekend, the Hurricanes proved their very much in the championship hunt and won't let a trip to hot and humid Fiji derail their progress. Burning hot last week, Fiji will be hoping for much the same (maybe not as hot though) to give them the edge -- especially after the Hurricanes lost three players to injury -- but the return of lock Justin Sangster comes as perfect timing and should bolster a side looking very impressive at the moment. Tip: Hurricanes 12
Crusaders vs. Western Force, OrangeTheory Stadium, Christchurch 2:35pm[AEDT]
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Macca Springer, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester, Fainga'anuku, Richie Mo'unga, Noah Hotham, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Dominic Gardiner, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Tamaiti Williams, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Finlay Brewis, Oliver Jager, Zach Gallagher, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue
Western Force: Chase Tiatia, Zach Kibirige, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Manasa Mataele, Max Burey, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isi Naisarani, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Wells, Jeremy Williams, Felix Kalapu, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Charlie Hancock. Replacements: Feleti Kaitu'u, Marley Pearce, Bowen Abra, Ryan McCauley, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, Nikolai Foliaki, George Poolman.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Crusaders $1.02, -24.5 $1.85, Force $11, +24.5 $1.90
Verdict: There's nothing much harder in world rugby to overcome than the Crusaders in Christchurch and a hurting Crusaders side after their loss to the Chiefs make them an even more daunting prospect. Naming a strong team including the return of Will Jordan for his first game since the Rugby Championship last year, the Crusaders are prepared to put on a show and keep themselves within touching distance of the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Force have made three changes of their own with the return of Isi Naisarani to the team while Sevens star Max Burey has been handed the No.10 jersey. With yet another chop-and-change in the playmaker role it's hard to see the Force getting into gear, especially in Christchurch. Tip: Crusaders by 18+
Blues vs. Moana Pasifika, Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm[AEDT]
Blues: Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki; Cameron Suafoa, Dalton Papalii (capt), Akira Ioane, Sam Darry, James Tucker, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu'a, James Lay, Tom Robinson, Anton Segner, Finlay Christie, Rieko Ioane, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Moana: William Havili, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Levi Aumua, D'Angelo Leulia, Neria Fomai, Christian Lealiifano, Ereatara Enari, Solomone Funaki, Alamanda Motuga, Miracle, Faiilagi, Mike McKee, Michael Curry, Chris Apoua, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole. Replacements: Lutera Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Tau Koloamatangi, Alex McRobbie Jonah Mau'u, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McCluthie, Fine Inisi.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Blues $1.02, -25.5 $1.90, Moana $11, +25.5 $1.85
Verdict: Still winless after 10 rounds, this week won't be the one Moana finally break their duck. With a leaky defence that gives their opposition too much of a lead for them to chase down, Moana will have issue trying to stop the Blues, especially with Beauden Barrett slotting back to fullback and Harry Plummer taking over playmaker reins while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns from his hand fracture at No 12. It's not a full strength Blues side but it's still a lethal side that will punish any Moana mistakes. Tip: Blues by 18+
Queensland Reds vs. Waratahs, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, 7:35pm[AEDT]
Reds: Jordan Petaia Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, James O'Connor, Jock Campbell, Lawson Creighton, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Connor Vest, Zane Nonggorr, Sef Fa'agase. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Peni Ravai, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu
Waratahs: Max Jorgenen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Langi Gleeson, Michael Hooper, Taleni Seu, Hugh Sinclair, JedHolloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, David Porecki, Te Tera Faulkner. Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Dnaiel Botha, Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Harrison Goddard, Harry Wilson, Joey Walton.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Reds 1.60, -3.5 $1.85, Waratahs $2.25, -3.5 $1.90
Verdict: The match of the round, a highly anticipated derby clash and with top 8 implications, plenty of eyes will be on Townsville as the Reds and Waratahs clash. Both sides are riding high after recent wins but both will also plenty of issues they'll be keen to iron out. Making just one change, Brad Thorn has brought in Ryan Smith into the second row as the Reds eye their third straight win. Meanwhile the Tahs have named the same starting XV from their one-point victory last week. Still to produce a full 80-minute performance, the heat and humidity in Townsville won't help the Tahs' cause and will likely play into the Reds hands. Expect an entertaining, fiery clash but it's not likely to live up to the heights of last week's Chiefs-Crusaders derby. Tip: Reds by 3
Sunday, May 7
Melbourne Rebels vs. Brumbies, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 2:35pm[AEDT]
Rebels: Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Stacey Ili, Monty Ioane, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Richard Hardwick, Brad Wilkin, Josh Kemeny, Trevor Hosea, Angelo Smith, Sam Talakai, Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon. Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa'amausili, Tim Cardall, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, David Feliuai, Joe Pincus.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper. Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Rebels $3.40, +9.5 $1.85, Brumbies $1.82, -9.5 $1.90
Verdict: Falling short to the Hurricanes in Wellington, the Brumbies are on the road again but just a few hours south as they look to keep in touch with the Chiefs on the leader board. Naming a strong line-up with the return of Len Ikitau and Pete Samu, the Brumbies are keen to make a statement in Melbourne and return home with a bonus point. Meanwhile the Rebels scrapped through with a victory over Moana last week but will need to do a lot more if they're to knock off the top Australian side. Bolstered by the return of two international stars Stacey Ili and Richard Hardwick, the Rebels will be a hard side to put away but a firing Brumbies side will get the job done. Tip: Brumbies by 10