Just four rounds remain until we enter the finals and there's still plenty of time for teams to secure their play off place.
With no Aussie team yet to claim a win across the Tasman, can the Reds get it done against the unbeaten Chiefs? While two massive derby matches are will play out on Saturday night.
Stay across all the line-ups, team news and odds for Round 6 as they come to hand below.
Chiefs vs. Reds | Western Force vs. Fijian Drua | Hurricanes vs. Moana Pasifika | Crusaders vs. Blues | Waratahs vs. Rebels | Brumbies vs. Highlanders
Friday, May 12
Chiefs vs. Reds, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth, 5:05pm[AEDT]
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Leinert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Eten Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'I, John Ryan, Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit. Replacements: Tyron Thompson, Ollie Norris, Atunaisa Moli, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Iaone, Alex Nankivell.
Reds: Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Mac Grealy, Lawson Creighton, Tate McDermott, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Connor Vest, Angus Blyth, Peni Ravai, Richie Asiata, George Blake. Replacements: Matt Faessler, Sef Fa'agase, Zan Nonggor, Ryan Smith, Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Tom Lynagh, Paddy James.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.05 -21.5 $1.90; Reds $9, +21.5 $1.90
Verdict: There's been plenty of movement in the Chiefs line-up as they look to give their All Blacks players a break ahead of the finals. With nine changes in the starting fifteen including Sam Cane, Brad Webber, Brodie Retallick (injury), Samisoni Taukei'aho and Pita Gus Sowakula all taking the week off. It doesn't mean the Chiefs are any less potent with Cortez Ratima, Josh Lord and Etene Nanai-Seturo all getting a start. Meanwhile, the Reds have taken a massive blow with Jordan Petaia out for the remainder of the season and have made seven changes of their own with George Blake making his starting debut, Seru Uru returns at No.8 and Filipo Daugunu moves to the centres. The Reds have a poor record in New Zealand (they haven't won a game across the ditch in years) and after another week of reshuffling it's unlikely they'll be ending the streak any time soon. Tip: Chiefs by 12
Wester Force vs. Fijian Drua, HBF Park, Perth 7:35pm[AEDT]
Force: Chase Tiatia, Zach Kibirige, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Menasa Mataele, Max Burey, Isaak-Fines Lelewasa, Rahboni Vosavaco, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Wells, Ryan McCauley, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga'a, Angus Wagner. Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman.
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Eroni Sau, Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Taniela Rakuro, Teti Tela, Frank Lomani, Meli Derenalagi, Vlilive Miramira, Joseva Tamani, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Jone Koroiduadua, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Odds: [tab.com.au] Force $1.70, -2.5 $1.95; Drua $2.10,+2.5 $1.85
Verdict: Off the back of a hiding last week the Force will be keen to give their fans a show when they return to HBF Park, but it won't be easy with the Drua full of confidence after their final minute win over the Hurricanes in Fiji last week. In a major boost Cron has recalled two Wallabies to his front row with Folau Fainga'a and Tom Robertson returning and joining with Angus Wagner while Rahbni Vosayaco is back after the birth of his son. The Drua have made several changes of their own with Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta returning alongside captain Meli Derenalagi, Eroni Sau and Jone Koroiduadua. The Force will need their set-piece to come together this week if they're to have a shot with the Drua impressing in all areas of the park, while they're new fly-half Max Burey will be under all sorts of pressure again. Back at home, it should give them an edge to get over the line. Tip: Force by 3.
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Saturday, May 13
Hurricanes vs. Moana Pasifika, Sky Stadium, Wellington 2:35pm[AEDT]
Hurricanes: Harry Godfrey, Salesi Rayasi, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Aidan Morgan, Jamie Booth, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo. Replacements: Hame Faiva, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Braydon Iose, Logan Henry, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Josh Moorby.
Moana: Tomasi Alosio, Tima Fainga'anuku, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Lincoln McLutchie, Jonathan Taumateine, Lotu Inisi, Penitoa Finau, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Mahonri Ngakura, Alex McRobbie, Isi Tu'ungafasi, Luteru Tolai. Replacements: Joe Royal, Tau Koloamatangi, Chris Apoua, Potu Leavasa, Jonah Mau'u, Manu Paea, D'Angelo Leuila, Lolagi Visinia
Odds: [tab.com.au] Hurricanes $1.01, -26.5 $1.8; Moana $13, +26.5 $1.87
Verdict: They were oh so close to nabbing their first win of the season but it was heartbreak in the end and it was likely they're best chance to get a stroke in the win column. Travelling to Wellington to take on a strong Hurricanes squad smarting after last week's loss, it's all against Moana who've named a completely different side from last week. Instead of looking to build momentum, Aaron Mauger has chosen to give his fringe players a run to boost their chances of playing for Tonga and Samoa. They'll need to play out of their skins if they're to avoid a hiding. Meanwhile, it's a game the Canes can't afford to lose meaning Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea will have to wait another week for a break. Despite this the Hurricanes have made six changes to their 15 with locks James Blackwell and Caleb Delany returning from concussion while All Blacks Dane Coles and Asafo Aumua are out with injury. Tip: Hurricanes 25+
Crusaders vs. Blues, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm[AEDT]
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Cullen Grace, Tom Chrisie, Christian Lio-Willie, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Oliver Jager, Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue.
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Adrian Choat, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi. Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Crusaders $1.46, -5.5 $1.90; Blues $2.60, +5.5 $1.5
Verdict: The match of the round, there's sure to be fireworks in Christchurch in a replay of last year's final. Making just a few changes, the Crusaders are still without Sam Whitelock through injury while Jack Goodhue returns to the 23 and Dallas McLeod makes his return on the wing. Meanwhile, the Blues have left Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out of the 23 all together while Akira Ioane will make his 100th appearance off the bench with Adrian Choat the preferred No.6. Smarting after they had to rely on a penalty try after the siren to put away Moana last week, the Blues will want to make a mark against the Crusaders and maintain their third place position on the ladder, but the Crusaders at home are close to unbeatable and Will Jordan's return last week was impressive, he'll want to make the same impact this week. Tip: Crusaders by 12
Wararahs vs. Melbourne Rebels, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm[AEDT]
Waratahs: Max Jorgensne, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Jake ordon, Langi Gleeson, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Hugh Sinclair, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, David Porecki, Te Tera Faulkner. Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Archer Holz, Ola Tauelangi, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Harry Wilson, Joey Walton.
Rebels: Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, David Feliuai, Monty Ioane, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Richard Hardwick, Brad Wilkin, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Tevor Hosea, Josh Canham, Sam Talakai, Jordan Uelese, Matt Gibbon. Replacements: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa'amausili, Tim Cardall, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Joe Pincus.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Waratahs $1.40, -6.5 $1.85, Rebels $2.80, +5.5 $1.85
Verdict: Another huge derby match with ladder implications, the Waratahs return home with a win under their belt after they dismantled the Reds in Townsville. One of their more polished performances, the Tahs will be determined to do it again when the Rebels come to Sydney. Making just one change to the starting line-up Will Harris replaces Taleni Seu and two changes on the bench with Teddy Wilson and Ola Tauelangi joining the match day 23. Meanwhile, the Rebels will be looking to make it two from two against their northern rivals and bring the fierceness that saw them almost down the Brumbies last week. Forced to make several changes after Josh Kemeny's suspension and Stacey Ili ruled out, Vaiolini Ekuasi and David Feliuai move into the vacant roles while Jordan Uelese makes his first start of the year. Just outside the top 8 the Rebels can sneak in with a big victory on Saturday, while the Tahs can solidify their place at sixth. The battle of the fly-halves will be an intriguing one with Carter Gordon stepping up last week while Ben Donaldson is slowly finding his confidence, it could all be about the battle upfront though. Tip: Waratahs by 5
Sunday, May 14
Brumbies vs. Highlanders. GIO Stadium, Canberra, 2:35pm[AEDT]
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper. Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.
Highlanders: Connor Garden-Bachop, Scott Gregory, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki, Freddie Burns, Folau Fakatava, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, James Lentjes, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Saula Ma'u, Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe
Odds: [tab.com.au] Brumbies $1.20, -12.5 $1.90, Highlanders $4.20, +12.5 $1.85
Verdict: Scrapping through with the win last week, the Brumbies return home to their fortress where many teams have struggled in the past. Making just one change with Tamati Tua sitting out and Ollie Sapsford moving into inside centre, the Brumbies will want to clean up their restarts to keep the Highlanders out of the clash while their set piece remains the centre piece to their game. Meanwhile the Highlanders will be without All Blacks Aaron Smith and Ethan de Groot, but Shannon Frizell has been forced to lock the scrum due to injury and illness. It's an injury hampered Highlanders side, but their backline still has plenty of firepower and can cause plenty of destruction, but with just one specialist lock the Brumbies set-piece should see them get over the line comfortably. Tip: Brumbies by 10.