The Chiefs, Reds and Waratahs are the only remaining unbeaten teams through three weeks of Super Rugby Pacific, but each faces a significant challenge this weekend.
The Kiwis will leave New Zealand for the first time this year to head to Fiji, while the Reds go across the Tasman to face the Crusaders, and the Waratahs welcome an improved Western Force to Sydney.
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Friday, March 7
Blues vs. Brumbies
Eden Park, Auckand 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Cole Forbes, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Cam Christie, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Angus Ta'avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitua. Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Tristyn Cook, Che Clark, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Corey Evans
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Harrison Goddard; Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper. Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
Officials: James Doleman; assistants Fraser Hannon, Warwick Lahmert; TMO Richard Kelly
Prediction: At last the switch to fly-half has come for Beauden Barrett, but the Blues are missing the suspended Hoskins Sotutu, and Dalton Papali'i. The Brumbies are meanwhile still without Noah Lolesio, but Tom Hooper should add a little more starch up front. This won't be a blowout, but the Blues should be too strong at home. Blues by 10.
Top Fantasy pick: Mark Tele'a produced an audacious finish last week. He is likely to be in the tries again here.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues $1.20, -11.5 $1.85; Brumbies $4.20, +11.5 $1.90
Saturday, March 8
Fijian Drua vs. Chiefs
Churchill Park, Lautoka 2:35pm (AEDT)
Drua: Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani; Meli Derenlagi, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Samuela Tawake, Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu, Taniela Rakuro
Chiefs: Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima; Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Malachi Wrampling, Xavier Roe, Shaun Stevenson
Officials: Damon Murphy; assistants George Myers Jordan Kaminski; TMO James Leckie
Prediction: The Drua could very easily be 3-0, but instead find themselves at 0-3 ahead of this clash with the Chiefs. Quinn Tupaea has been in outstanding form for the Chiefs, but how much will the undefeated ladder-leaders lose without Damian McKenzie? This looks like being another thriller, and might just deliver the change of luck the Fijians are seeking. Drua by 3.
Top Fantasy pick: At last we get to see Selestino Ravutaumada in action. It'll be a huge shock if he isn't on the scoresheet first game back.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua $3.40, +9.5 $1.90; Chiefs $1.28, -9.5 $1.85
Moana Pasifika vs. Hurricanes
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Pasifika: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Kyren Taumoefolau, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine; Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Ardie Savea, Miracle Faillagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafile'o, Millennium Sanerivi, James Lay. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Aisea Halo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai,, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter-Umaga Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Ereatari Enari; Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Siale Lauaki. Replacements: Nic Souchon, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Jone Rova
Officials: Marcus Playle; assistants James Doleman, Fraser Hannon; TMO Glenn Newman
Prediction: The Hurricanes could have easily beaten the Blues, but left their run a bit late last week. This looks like a danger game, though, particularly with Ardie Savea facing his former club. If Moana don't give up a start like they have the past two weeks, they'll be right in the contest. However, the Hurricanes bench should add some energy late. Hurricanes by 7.
Top Fantasy pick: This is likely to be an open contest, which suits the Hurricanes back-row. Back from a week off, Brayden Iose is a worthy selection.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Pasifika $4, +11.5 $1.85; Hurricanes $1.22, -11.5 $1.90
NSW Waratahs vs. Western Force
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Waratahs: Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Henry O'Donnell, Joey Walton, Darby Lancaster, Lawson Creighton, Jake Gordon; Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclair, Taniela Tupou, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell. Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly.
Force: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Nick Champion de Crispegny, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce, Replacements: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Josh Smith, Josh Thompson, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa
Officials: Angus Mabey; assistants Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan; TMO Brett Cronan
Prediction: This is the toughest game to call of Round 4. Lawson Creighton makes his first start for the Waratahs, while the Force have been boosted by the return of Jeremy Williams up front; Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa also starts. The Force have been playing the better rugby, but can they survive the Waratahs scrum and rolling maul? It will be interesting. Force by 3.
Top Fantasy pick: The Waratahs maul looks particularly well set up this year, with Dave Porecki the beneficiary when they attack from close range.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs $1.32, -8.5 $1.90; Force $3.20, +8.5 $1.85
Sunday, March 9
Crusaders vs. Queensland Reds
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 1:35pm (AEDT)
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (c), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Kyle Preston; Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, James O'Connor, Levi Aumua
Reds: Heremaia Murray, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, Dre Pakeho, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Josh Canham, Massimo de Luttis, Matt Faessler, Alex Hodgman. Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Frankie Goldsbrough
Officials: Jordan Way; assistants Jeremy Markey, Jackson Henshaw; Glenn Newman
Prediction: The Crusaders should be fresh after last week's bye, while the return of Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell will make a huge difference up front. The Reds' backline stocks are meanwhile running low, but they will be full of belief after winning in Christchurch last year. Can they repeat those heroics? Crusaders by 9.
Top Fantasy pick: Will Jordan feels like an obvious starter this week.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders $1.30, -8.5 $1.85; Reds $3.30, +8.5 $1.90
Injury Ward
Brumbies
Rob Valetini (hamstring / TBC), Ben O'Donnell (hamstring/ TBC), Tevita Alatini (ACL / TBC), Harry Vella (ACL / TBC), Tuaina Taii Tualima (illness, TBC), Noah Lolesio
Blues
Kurt Eklund (groin), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), Laghlan McWhannell (cheek); PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Ben Ake (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Adrian Choat (knee).
Chiefs
Rameka Poihipi (knee, Season), Luke Jacobson (nose, short term), Kaleb Trask (Hamstring, 4-6 weeks), Etene Nanai-Seturo, (Hamstring, long term) Liam Coombes-Fabling (knee, 4-6 weeks), Fiti Sa (shoulder, long term) Wallace Sititi (knee, long- term), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (shoulder, short term)
Crusaders
George Bell (toe/foot / TBC), Kershawl Sykes-Martin (knee / 5-6 weeks), Finlay Brewis (shoulder / season), Codie Taylor (hamstring / 2-3 weeks), Fletcher Anderson (heel / 2-3 weeks), Rivez Reihana (ankle / 2-3 weeks), Seb Calder (AC joint / 3-5 weeks), Quentin Strange (Pec/hamstring / 4-6 weeks), Dom Gardiner (hamstring / 4-6 weeks), Jamie Hannah (shoulder / 4-6 weeks), Aki Tuivailala (finger / 4-6 weeks), Johnny McNicholl (hamstring / 4-6 weeks), Braydon Ennor (wrist / TBC), Noah Hotham (ankle/ TBC)
Fijian Drua
Etonia Waqa (Knee, short term), Epeli Momo (Knee, long term), Vilive Miramira (ankle, short term)
Highlanders
Oliver Haig (foot / 7 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 4 weeks ), Jona Nareki (ankle / 2 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (neck / 7 weeks),
Hurricanes
Zach Gallagher (Achilles / TBC), Daniel Sinkinson (hamstring / round 8), Lucas Cashmore (knee / round 7), Brett Cameron (knee / season), Asafo Aumua (foot / TBC), Tyrel Lomax (ankle / round 5), Devan Flanders (ankle / round 14), Tjay Clarke (Shoulder/ round 9), Riley Higgins (Hand / round 7), Billy Proctor (Achilles / TBC)
Moana Pasifika
Alamanda Motuga (shoulder), Fine Inisi (quad), Julian Savea (knee), Lotu Inisi (hamstring), Neria Fomai (knee /out for season), Ofa Tauatevalu (lower leg), Semisi Paea (ankle), Sione Havili Talitui (ankle).
NSW Waratahs
Fergus Lee-Warner (foot), Lucas Ripley (shoulder), Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii (toe, Round 6), Joey Walton (groin, TBC)
Western Force
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee, season), Bayley Kuenzle (knee), Harry Hoopert (knee, season), Kane Koteka (ribs), Divad Palu (shoulder), Matt Proctor (shoulder), Henry Robertson (ribs), Papillon Sevele (knee), Tiaan Tauakipulu (ribs),
Queensland Reds
Jock Campbell, Matt Gibbon, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Flook
Suspensions
Highlanders: Daniel Lienert-Brown (Round 5)
Reds: Hunter Paisami (Round 5)
Blues: Hoskins Sotutu (Round 6)
All odds correct at time of publication.