We're racing towards the finals with just three rounds to play, but finals spots are still yet to be locked in!
The Highlanders travel north to Waikato to take on the Chiefs, who'll be keen on locking down their top two spot, before the Blues take on the table-topping Hurricanes in a must-win clash for their playoff aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs are at "must-win" stage in Fiji, while the Reds can keep their slim chances of a home quarterfinal alive with a victory over the Force.
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[Note: all odds correct 11am 5/5]
Friday, May 15
Chiefs vs. Highlanders
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEST)
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Kyren Taumoefolau, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (capt), Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'i, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Sione Ahio, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Benét Kumeroa, George Dyer, Fiti Sa, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Isaac Hutchinson.
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Jonah Lowe, Cam Millar, Adam Lennox, Nikora Broughton, Lucas Casey, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Tomas Lavanini, Angus Ta'avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-capt). Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson
Officials: Referee: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: Pulling away with an important win over the Reds last week, the Chiefs return home with an eye on locking down a top-two spot on the ladder, but they'll have to do it without All Blacks Quinn Tupaea and Josh Lord. In their absence Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes has chosen to go with dual playmakers pushing Damian McKenzie to fullback with Josh Jacomb starting No.10 in the hopes of testing the Highlanders combative defence. Already a dynamic attacking side, the added attacking dimension will add another level of difficulty for the Highlanders to overcome as they look to keep themselves in reach of a top six finish. Tip: Chiefs by 14
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs: $1.07, -17.5 $1.90; Highlanders: $7.50, +17.5 $1.85
Saturday, May 16
Fijian Drua vs. NSW Waratahs
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji, 2:35pm (AEST)
Drua: Isikeli Rabitu, Frank Lomani, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Manasa Mataele, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Peni Ravai. Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Samiela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini.
Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Jack Bowen, Teddy Wilson; Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Clem Halahalo, Miles Amatosero, Matt Phillip, Dan Botha, Ioane Moananu, Jack Barrett. Replacements: Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Michael McDonald, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey
Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Aaron Paterson
Prediction: It's do-or-die for both sides in Fiji with both sides sitting just outside the top six and desperate for wins to see them rise up the table. After almost pulling off an incredible fightback last week in New Zealand, the Waratahs have hit the road again and have made several changes, with coach Dan McKellar looking to his young halves to lead the fight in Suva. But they'll face a stern test with the Drua rarely losing on the home turf and with a dominant pack named up front. If the Waratahs are to keep their season alive they'll need to see their forward pack muscle up and bend the defensive line to give their attacking weapons Max Jorgensen and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii a chance to shred the defence. Tip: Drua by 5
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua: $1.34, -7.5 $1.90; Waratahs: $3.10, +7.5 $1.85
Blues vs. Hurricanes
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 5:05pm (AEST)
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Sam Nock, Hoskins Sotutu, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Laghlan McWhannell, Torian Barnes, Che Clark, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta.
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Fehi Fineanganofo, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Ruben Love, Ereatari Enari; Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delany, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Jone Rova, Bailyn Sullivan
Officials: Referee: Ben O'Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: A loss last week and only a solid second half performance against Moana a week earlier, the Blues have fallen into a hole and it's unlikely they'll find they're way out of it against the Hurricanes on Saturday. While they'll enjoy running out on their home pitch, the Blues will need star fly-half Beauden Barrett to get their attack firing if they're to down the table-toppers. The loss of Dalton Papali'i also presents a challenge. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have only added strength to their side with the return of Jordie Barrett, Ruben Love, Xavier Numia and Asafo Aumua. Only a fast start from the Blues can see them keeping their play-off aspirations alive. Tip: Hurricanes by 12
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues: $2.40, +4.5 $1.85; Hurricanes: $1.53, -4.5 $1.90
Western Force vs. Queensland Reds
HBF Park, Perth, Australia, 7:35pm (AEST)
Force: Mac Grealy, Zac Lomax, George Bridge, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Max Burey, Nathan Hastie; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Misinale Epenisa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa'agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
Reds: Jock Campbell, Tim Ryan, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Lachie Anderson, Carter Gordon, Louis Werchon; Harry Wilson, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Seru Uru, Hamish Muller, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Nasser, George Blake. Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeremy Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Charlie Brosnan, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard.
Officials: Referee: Jordan Way; Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey; TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: Whitsled off the park last week, the Reds will need to shore up their discipline if they're to put the Force away. With the return of Carter Gordon as starting fly-half expect the Reds to look to go wide with his pinpoint passing, while his kicking game will look to turn the Force around. Their damage forward pack will be tested by the likes of Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny and Jeremy Williams, but their massive bench and the return of Massimo De Lutiis up front should give them the edge of the men from the west. Tip: Reds by 8
Odds [tab.com.au]: Force: $2.00, +1.5 $1.85; Reds: $1.75 -1.5 $1.90