Could Super Round have been any better? Across three days, in front of sold-out stands, the rugby did the talking under the roof of Christchurch's shiny new stadium. If you're an Aussie, you were probably left craving just one win from the weekend, though.
But now attention turns to the playoffs, with at least nine teams battling for a top six spot. With just four rounds left, it's all heating up and for many only an unbeaten run to the finals will guarantee their place.
First up in Round 12 comes a classic New Zealand derby with table-topping Hurricanes hosting the Crusaders, before the weekend is rounded out with a huge Aussie derby between the Reds and the Brumbies.
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[Note: all odds correct 11am 28/4]
Friday, May 1
Hurricanes vs. Crusaders
Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEST)
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delaney, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Devan Flanders, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova
Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Johnny Lee, Rivez Reihana.
Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Dan Moore; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: The Hurricanes made light work of the Brumbies, with winger Fehi Fineanganofo scoring four tries to close in on the Super Rugby season try-scoring record. The Crusaders meanwhile worked their way past the Waratahs, after a tough first half. This is a step up for the Cantabs, though, who are still without Will Jordan, while Leicester Fainga'aunuku will find back-row play far more challenging against the first-class Canes trio. This won't be a blowout, but the Hurricanes are just playing too well right now to slip up at home. Hurricanes by 15.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes: $1.22, -11.5 $1.90; Crusaders: $4, +11.5 $1.85
New South Wales Waratahs vs. Western Force
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia 7:35pm (AEST)
Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joey Walton, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Jake Gordon; Pete Samu, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Angus Blyth, Matt Philip, Siosifa Amone, Ethan Dobbins, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Miles Amatosero, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Debreczeni, Triston Reilly
Force: Mac Grealy, Zac Lomax, George Bridge, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Henry Robertson, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Misinale Epenisa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa'agase, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
Officials: Referee: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: George Myers; Matt Kellahan TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: The first of what looks to be two tight Australian derbies, this Sydney clash will see code-hoppers Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Zac Lomax face off for the first time. The Force will meanwhile be fresh off the bye and now boast arguably the best matchday 23 they've had since their early years in Super Rugby. And that's why I think the upset is on here. Expect Carlo Tizzano to cause mayhem at the breakdown and more pain for the NSW lineout, with Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain among the best defensive jumpers in the competition. Suaalii's return adds to the Waratahs' attacking threats, but the Force just seem to be riding a wave right now. Force by 3.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs: $1.65, -2.5 $1.87; Force: $2.15, +2.5 $1.87
Saturday, May 2
Fijian Drua vs. Highlanders
Four R Stadium, Ba, Fiji 2pm (AEST)
Drua: Isikeli Rabitu, Frank Lomani, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Joji Nasova, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa; Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Tuwai, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Maika Tuitubou
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta'avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-capt). Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Sean Withy, Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Taine Robinson, Xavier Tito-Harris.
Officials: Referee: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter; TMO: Aaron Paterson
Prediction: This is a huge game for both teams, with the loser likely to drop out of finals contention. The Highlanders were only just good enough to edge past Moana last week, while the Drua had their moments -- including one crazy one -- against the Chiefs. The Fijians haven't been quite as assured at home this season as they have previously, but this is a game they should be winning. If their scrum holds up against the best eight-man shove in the competition, then the Drua should be too strong here. Drua by 10.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua: $1.50, -4.5 $1.87; Highlanders: $2.50, +4.5 $1.87
Moana Pasifika vs. Blues
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEST)
Moana: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Latu, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili, Jonathan Taumateine; Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faiilagi (capt), Jimmy Tupou, Allan Craig, Atu Moli, Millennium Sanerivi, Malakai Hala-Ngatai. Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tyler Pulini.
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Kade Banks, Xavi Taele, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Sam Nock; Hoskins Sotutu, Anton Segner, Torian Barnes, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ben Ake. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Terrell Peita, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam.
Officials: Referee: Nic Berry; Assistant referees: Reuben Keane; Louis Trisley; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Blues were a tad fortunate to get away with their Super Round, Super Point win over the Reds, after giving up a late 12-point lead. This is a non-negotiable four points if they want to hold onto third spot on the ladder, and claim a home quarter, but coach Vern Cotter has taken the opportunity to push Beauden Barrett back to the bench. Moana last week made a real contest of their clash with the Highlanders and look like they can secure one further win before their Super Rugby tenure is up. I just don't see it coming this week. Blues by 20.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana: $13, +23.5 $1.87; Blues: $1.01, -23.5 $1.87
Queensland Reds vs. Brumbies
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia 7:35pm (AEST)
Reds: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Kalani Thomas; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Kadin Pritchard, David Feluiai, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Toby McPherson, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Lonergan, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blke Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Ollie Sapsford.
Officials: Referee: Ben O'Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie; Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: What a game this is to round out the weekend. The Reds will be kicking themselves over their Super Point loss to the Blues, while the Brumbies appear to have lost their way completely in poor performances against first the Drua and then the Hurricanes. Their lineout in particular last week, was woeful. The Reds won the corresponding clash earlier this year in Canberra and while another close contest looms here, the Reds appear to have turned a corner in the season, while the Brumbies are going in reverse. Reds by 7.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds: $1.62, -2.5 $1.87; Brumbies: $2.20, +2.5 $1.87