We've officially hit the halfway point of the season with a second bye week.
We'll be treated to just four matches this week and we'll be hoping they'll bring a bit more unpredictability than what last week served up.
This week's action is headline by a New Zealand derby which could see the Chiefs close the gap on the Hurricanes on the ladder, meanwhile the Waratahs and Crusaders face-off in a 2014 grand final rematch in Sydney.
Check out all the team lists, key ins and outs, odds and our tips below.
Friday, April 12
Moana Pasifika vs.
Queensland Reds
Semenoff Stadium, Whangerai, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Moana: Danny Toala, Villiami Fine, Henry Taefu, Julian Savea, Fine Inisi, William Havili, Ereatara Enari, Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris, Irie Papuni, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole.
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao, Christina Lealiifano, Nigel Ah Wong
Reds: Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai.
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana $5.20, +14.5 $1.85; Reds $1.15, -14.5 $1.95
Prediction: After a week off, the Reds return to the pitch ready to get their season back on track after two back-to-back losses. Going down in a tight battle with the Brumbies, the Les Kiss has chosen to rotate his No.10 with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips moving into the playmaker role with Tom Lynagh missing out on the squad, while Suliasi Vunivalu has also been called up. Meanwhile, Moana will have the chance to move into the top 8 for the first time, but will to produce a much better showing than they did last week. They've called on rookie Northlander Allan Craig to make his debut when he runs out at lock. Punished by the Chiefs last week, this week will be no easier for Moana and it could be another blow out again.
Tip: Reds by 15+
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NSW Waratahs vs.
Crusaders
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Triston Reilly, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Peitsch, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Lachlan Swinton, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer.
Replacements: Theo Fourie, Lewis Ponini, Tom Ross, Miles Amatoesro, Hugh Sinclair, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Joey Walton.
Crusaders: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Johnny McNicholl, Riley Hohepa, Noah Hotham, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Jamie Hannah, Quinten Strange, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, George Bower.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Odds: [tab.com.au] Waratahs $4, +10.5 $1.85; Crusaders $1.24, -10.5 $1.95
Predictions: Every week things seem to get worse for the Waratahs with star prop Angus Bell now ruled out for the remainder of the season after aggravating his previous toe injury. He adds to the many players already ruled out in the Waratahs front row as they continue to battle an injury crisis. In his absence Hayden Thompson-Stringer has been elevated to start while Lewis Ponini has been named on the bench to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut. In an interesting move following last week's hammering to the Brumbies, Darren Coleman has chosen to drop Mark Nawaniqanitwase all together with Triston Reilly moving into the vacant position while the much tested centre combination of Izaia Persese and Lalakai Foketi will make its first appearance of the season. After securing their first win two weeks ago and enjoying a needed break last week, the Crusaders will be heading to Sydney raring to go. Bolstered by the return of Ethan Blackadder and determined to make up for their shock loss in Round two, the Crusaders may not be back at the destructive best but will no doubt punish any mistake the Tahs make. With five losses on the trot the Tahs need a win to keep their season alive, but don't expect their decimated forward pack to hold up under the pressure.
Tip: Crusaders by 10
Saturday, April 13
Hurricanes vs.
Chiefs
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5:05pm [AEDT]
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Josh Morby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia
Replacements: James O'Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Richard Judd, Peter Umaga-Jensen
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Anton Leinert-Brown, Etene Nanai Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'I, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Reuben O'Neill, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi
Odds: [tab.com.au] Hurricanes $2.05, +0.5 $1.95; Chiefs $1.75, -0.5 $1.85
Predictions: The match of the round, only four points separate the Chiefs and the Hurricanes on the table, with the Hurricanes proving themselves as the competition favourites going unbeaten so far this season. Hammering Moana last week to make up for their shock loss to the Crusaders, the Chiefs have named one of their strongest line-ups with Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau combining in the backrow and Damian McKenzie retaining his playmaking role with destructive Emoni Narawa on the wing and Anton Leinert-Brown in the centres. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have lost nothing in the absence of Cam Roigard with All Blacks star TJ Perenara taking on the starting role. It's an otherwise untouched line-up with Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett and Brad Shields all expected to play big minutes. Expect plenty of fireworks as this clash could go all the way to the wire.
Tip: Chiefs by 3
Melbourne Rebels vs.
Highlanders
AAMI Park, Melbourne, 7:35pm [AEDT]
Rebels: Andrew Kellaway, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, David Feliuai, Darby Lancaster, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Maciu Nabolakasi, Josh Kemeny, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Sam Talakai, Jordan Uelese, Matt Gibbon.
Replacements: Alex Mafi, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Matt Proctor, Nick Jooste
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuku-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Taniela Tele'a, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Ajay Faleafaga, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Billy Harmon, Sean Withy, Pari Pari Parkinson, Saula Ma'u, Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: Ricky Jackson, Ethan de Groot, Rohan Wingham, Hugo Plummer, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop
Odds: [tab.com.au] Rebels $2.40, +3.5 $1.90; Highlanders $1.55, -3.5 $1.90
Predictions: Dismantling the Drua following two red cards, the Rebels have claimed four wins in seven matches and currently sit fifth on the table, ahead of the Reds and the Tahs, who would have predicted that? But they'll need to put their poor starts behind them if they're to make a case against the Highlanders and continue their push towards the finals. Welcoming back Andrew Kellaway is a good sign for the Rebels, but they'll be hampered by the loss of their captain Rob Leota, while Taniela Tupou will expected to bring the grunt when he comes off the bench later in the piece. After enjoying their bye week last week, the Highlanders will be keen to cement their place in the top eight. Plenty of pressure will be on Ajay Faleafaga who will make his first start at No. 10, while their All Blacks contingent will need to step up if they're to get their third win of the season.
Tip: Rebels by 5