As we formally hit the midway level of the event the competitors for prime spot has by no means been tighter, with the Queensland Reds sneaking their option to the summit final week because the Chiefs loved the week off.
To open the around the table-toppers will conflict in what might be a preview of the grand last, whereas the Waratahs are eyeing an enormous bounce again once they face Moana who smashed the Crusaders final week. In the meantime, the Blues and Hurricanes face off in a Kiwi derby. There is definitely a lot happening in Spherical 8.
Learn on for all lineups, suggestions and harm updates.
Good luck along with your suggestions.
Friday, April 4
Chiefs vs. Queensland Reds
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Manaakia Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah-Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Reds: Heremaia Murray, Lachie Anderson, Dre Pakaho, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Jeffery Toomaga- Allen, Matt Faessler, Alex Hodgman. Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Xan Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jock Campbell.
Officers: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Angus Mabey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: It is 1 vs. 2 in Hamilton, because the Reds attempt to repeat their 2023 heroics by upsetting the Chiefs on the highway in New Plymouth. Additionally they beat them in Brisbane final yr, however have failed on their current journeys to Hamilton. The Queenslanders have Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson again within the pack, whereas Josh Canham varieties a complementary second-row pairing with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. The Chiefs ought to be recent off the bye, and have stacked their bench for a late injection of vitality up entrance. This sport will inform us loads concerning the Reds’ potential to go deep into the 2025 season. Chiefs by 3.
High Fantasy decide: Search for Damian McKenzie to shine after per week’s relaxation via the bye.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.17, -13.5 $1.90; Reds $4.60, +13.5 $1.85
Saturday, April 5
Moana Pasifika vs. NSW Waratahs
North Harbour Stadium, Albany 12:05pm (AEDT)
Moana: William Havili, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine; Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Paea, Allan Craig, Sam Slade, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Backyard-Bachop, Fini Inisi
Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Henry O’Donnell, Lalakai Foketi, Triston Reilly, Teddy Wilson; Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclair, Daniel Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Angus Bell. Replacements: Julian Heaven, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Joey Walton
Officers: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: You could not have two sides coming right into a sport in additional contrasting style. The Waratahs had been woeful in opposition to the Hurricanes final week, whereas Moana produced the best victory of their quick historical past in upsetting the Crusaders. The Waratahs have made seven modifications and will probably be hoping Ethan Dobbins has extra luck on the lineout, whereas Taniela Tupou will probably be requested to inject some energy from the bench. Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii strikes again to fullback, whereas Andrew Kellaway shifts to the wing on his return. Moana are largely settled but in addition regain flyer Kyren Taumoefolau; they’ve nonetheless misplaced star back-rower Miracle Faiilagi. There may be more likely to be loads of factors on this one, however it’s laborious to see the Waratahs bouncing again after final week’s poor exhibiting. Pasifika by 5.
High Fantasy decide: Patrick Pellegrini has been one of many breakout stars from the competitors this season. He ought to rack up the factors right here.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana $1.80, -2.5 $2.05; Waratahs $1.95, +2.5 $1.70
Fijian Drua vs. Crusaders
HFC Financial institution Stadium, Suva, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Drua: Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Longanimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani; Elia Canakaivata, Isoa Tuwai, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Corey Kellow, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Seb Calder, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Unusual, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummon, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua
Officers: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: Surprised by an enthusiastic Moana Pasifika, it does not get any simpler for the Crusaders in Fiji this week. Taha Kemara returns at No. 10 whereas Codie Taylor captains the aspect from hooker with David Havili nonetheless absent. The Drua ought to be recent off the bye and may’t actually afford one other loss, significantly at dwelling, in the event that they’re to stay alive within the race for the finals. Drua by 10.
High Fantasy decide: Want a hooker? Tevita Ikanivere is your man this week, he’s all the time dominant on dwelling soil.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua $2.60, +5.5 $1.87; Crusaders $1.46, -5.5 $1.87
Blues vs. Hurricanes
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a. Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Stephen Perofeta
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jesen, Kini Naholo, Riley Hohepa, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo.
Officers: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Mike Winter; TMO: Paul Williams
Prediction: There may be ultimately some excellent news for the Blues, who’ve welcomed again Beauden Barrett after the star playmaker was sidelined by a damaged hand. The Aucklanders had final week off to reset for 2025, with one other dwelling defeat more likely to finish their season, significantly given they’re but to depart New Zealand this season. In the meantime, the Hurricanes appeared to show a nook in opposition to the Waratahs final week, whereas skipper Du’Plessis Kirifi is in excellent type. The Hurricanes are additionally determined to reverse their loss to ythe Blues from earlier this yr. Hurricanes by 10.
High Fantasy decide: Contemporary off a hat trick in opposition to NSW, it is laborious to go previous Kini Naholo.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues $1.55, -3.5 $1.87; Hurricanes $2.35, +3.5 $1.87
Western Drive vs. Highlanders
HBF Park, Perth, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Drive: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Caleb Tangitau, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie; Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson
Officers: Jordan Means; Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Graham Cooper; TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: This appears like an enormous sport for each groups, nearly an eight-point finals dogfight, to borrow some footballing parlance. Each the Drive and Highlanders had been a tad unfortunate to lose final week, the Kiwis particularly could have felt aggrieved at a number of the refereeing, sadly from the identical man who has the whistle this week. At dwelling, the Drive ought to really feel assured, and they are going to be hoping to exert some scrum dominance simply because the Reds and Brumbies did in opposition to the Highlanders in current weeks. Carlo Tizzano can be nearly one of the best participant in Tremendous Rugby Pacific proper now. However this sport will probably be no snack, and the Highlanders potential to get on the ball — offering they do it legally — means this will probably be an actual battle to the ultimate whistle. Drive by 3.
High Fantasy decide: No different participant is performing in addition to Carlo Tizzano. He seems set to interrupt the Tremendous Rugby try-scoring document for forwards this season — and will even threaten the alltime mark of 15!
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drive $1.58, -3.5 $1.87; Highlanders $2.30, +3.5 $1.87
Harm Ward
Brumbies
Lachlan Lonergan (return to play protocol, concussion, anticipated again Spherical 9), Kadin Pritchard (return to play protocol, concussion, anticipated again Spherical 9), Charlie Cale (decrease again harm, timeline TBC), Ben O’Donnell (hamstring operation), Tevita Alatini (ACL), Harry Vella (ACL)
Blues
PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Ben Ake (shoulder), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder, Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (concussion), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), AJ Lam (leg).
Chiefs
Simon Parker (Knee, Brief-term), Anton Lienert-Brown (Leg, Brief-term), Josh Lord (Knee, Mid-term), Rameka Poihipi (Knee, Season), Kaleb Trask (Hamstring, Mid-term), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Hamstring, Lengthy-term), Liam Coombes-Fabling (Knee, Mid-term), Fiti Sa, (Shoulder, Lengthy-term), Wallace Sititi (Knee, Lengthy-term), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Shoulder, Brief-term)
Crusaders
Dom Gardiner (Hamstring/ 2 weeks) Johnny McNicholl (Hamstring/ 3-4 weeks) Kyle Preston (Rib/1-2 weeks) Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Knee/ 2 weeks) George Bell (Foot/season) Braydon Ennor (Hamstring/TBC) Finlay Brewis (Shoulder/season)
Fijian Drua
Epeli Momo (Knee)
Highlanders
Oliver Haig (Foot / 2 weeks ) Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ) Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 2-3 weeks) Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks) Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC) Nikora Broughton (Rib Harm / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks)
Hurricanes
Brett Cameron (Knee/season) Devan Flanders (Ankle/ Spherical 12) Tjay Clarke (Shoulder/ Spherical 11) Daniel Sinkinson (Hamstring/ Spherical 8) Riley Higgins (Hand/ Spherical 8) Harry Godfrey (Decrease Leg/Spherical 11) Billy Proctor (Achilles/ TBC)
Moana Pasifika
James Lay (elbow) Julian Savea (knee) Losi Filipo (shoulder) Lotu Inisi (hamstring) Michael Curry (shoulder harm) Samiuela Moli (hamstring) Sione Havili Talitui (ankle)
NSW Waratahs
Max Jorgensen (ankle), Jake Gordon (medial ligament) Mahe Vailanu (damaged arm) Dave Porecki (calf) Fergus Lee-Warner (foot) Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
Queensland Reds
Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Liam Wright
Western Drive,
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee) Bayley Kuenzle (knee) Harry Hoopert (knee) Divad Palu (shoulder) Matt Proctor (shoulder) Papillon Sevele (knee)
Suspensions
Drua: Motikiai Murray (Spherical 9)
All odds right at time of publication.
