Super Rugby Pacific's final regular season round is here, and there are some big changes to note.
Having wrapped up first and second spot respectively, the Hurricanes and Chiefs have opted to rest multiple frontline stars.
Find out who's in and out, as well as the other key team news, below!
[Note: all odds correct 11am 27/5]
Friday, May 29
Crusaders vs. Hurricanes
One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEST)
Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hothan, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Dom Gardiner, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Liam Jack, Johnny Lee, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Cooper Roberts.
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Taniela Filimone, Josh Timu, Jone Rova, Kini Naholo, Callum Harkin, Cam Roigard; Arese Poliko, Cooper Flanders, Bard Shields, Isaiah Walker-Leawere, Hugo Plummer, Tyrel Lomax, Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Allen, Matolu Petaia, Jordi Viljoen, Lucas Cashmore, Bailyn Sullivan.
Officials: Referee: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Crusaders' job has been significantly easier with the Hurricanes opting to rest multiple first-choice players, including Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Asafo Aumua and Ruben Love. The Canes will however get a run into Cam Roigard, who returns after a month on the sidelines. That has certainly tipped things in favour of the locals, who are at near full strength aside from the loss of Will Jordan, who has now been scrubbed for the season by a calf injury. Rob Penney's side were superb in a come-from-behind win over the Chiefs last week and they will be winners here once more. Crusaders by 14.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders: $1.26, -10.5 $1.85; Hurricanes: $3.80, +10.5 $1.95
Queensland Reds vs. Fijian Drua
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia, 7:35pm (AEST)
Waratahs: Treyvon Pritchard, Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Vaiuta Latu, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Filipo Daugunu
Drua: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Manasa Mataele, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Isikeli Rabitu, Taniela Rakuro, Kemu Valetini, Issak Fines Leleiwasa, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni. Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Joseva Tamani, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Simione Kuruvoli, Virimi Vakatawa
Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Dan Moore; TMO: Glen Newman
Prediction: The Reds continue to confuse, after they nearly gave up a commanding lead to become only Moana Pasifika's second victim this year. They return to Brisbane here knowing they will head to New Zealand for a home qualifying final regardless of what happens here, with only their opponents unknown at this point. The most intriguing piece of team news is Treyvon Pritchard's switch from the wing to fullback, with the teenage flyer set to see more ball at the back. The Drua were meanwhile a different team to the one beaten in Fiji by the Waratahs, their performance against the Force miles better and built on a tireless breakdown display that completely derailed the westerners. It wasn't enough unfortunately, and this feels like a step up for a team that probably just wants to be done with 2026. Reds by 19.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds: $1.11, +15.5 $1.95; Drua: $6.20, +15.5 $1.85
Saturday, May 30
Brumbies vs. Moana Pasifika
GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia, 2:35pm (AEST)
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Kadin Pritchard, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachlan Shaw, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton.
Pasifika: William Havili, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Faletoi Peni, Glen Vaihu, Patrick Pellegrini, Augustine Pulu; Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faiilagi (captain), Veikoso Poloniati, Allan Craig, Atu Moli, Millennium Sanerivi, Malakai Hala-Ngatai. Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, Melani Matavao, Tevita Latu, Tuna Tuitama.
Officials: Referee: Jordan Way; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markie; TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: While it remains a long shot, the Brumbies could still be in with a chance of a home final when they run out onto GIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon. After grinding past the Waratahs last Friday, you should expect to see more gallop in the Brumbies' attack this week, particularly with Charlie Cale making his long-awaited return from injury. Could there be some hope for Moana, meanwhile? News on Wednesday suggested their might be a glimmer of hope for their survival and they showed against the Reds that with a bit of belief and some luck they can worry any team on their day. This still feels like a challenge beyond them however, the Brumbies should really be comfortable winners. Brumbies by 25.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies: $1.05, -22.5 $1.95; Pasifika: $9, +22.5 $1.85
Chiefs vs. Blues
FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand, 5:05pm (AEST)
Chiefs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Daniel Sinkinson, Daniel Rona, Reon Paul, Kyren Taumoefolau, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima; Wallace Sititi (captain), Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Benét Kumeroa, Keran van Staden, Fiti Sa, Kaylum Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Lalakai Foketi.
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Sam Nock; Malachi Wrampling, Anton Segner (capt), Torian Barnes, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Renata Marcel, James Mullan, Mason Tupaea. Replacements: Eli Oudenryn, Joshua Fusitu'a, Flyn Yates, Laghlan McWhannell, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Corey Evans, Codemeru Vai.
Officials: Referee: Angus Gardner; Assistant referees: George Myers; Matt Kellahan; TMO: Graham Cooper
Prediction: With second spot secured, the Chiefs have also given a few stars the week off, though not to the same degree as the Hurricanes. Wallace Sititi leads a pack that still features fellow All Blacks Josh Lord and Wallace Sititi, while Josh Jacomb gets another crack at the 10 jersey in Damian McKenzie's continued absence. There is no Beauden Barrett over at the Blues meanwhile -- that might not be the worst thing considering his recent form -- with Stephen Perofeta slotting in at No. 10. There is a feeling the Blues' season has already come off its tracks amid a horror injury run and some poor form, and it's hard to see them beating the Chiefs here, even with the hosts sitting a whack of first-rate talent. Chiefs by 7.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs: $1.48, -6.5 $1.90; Blues: $2.60, +6.5 $1.90
Western Force vs. NSW Waratahs
HBF Park, Perth, Australia, 7:35pm (AEST)
Force: Mac Grealy, Zac Lomax, George Bridge, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, 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, Boston Fakafanua, Kurtley Beale
Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Jack Bowen, Jake Gordon; Pete Samu, Jamie Adamson, Angus Scott-Young, Miles Amatosero, Matt Philip, Dan Botha, Ioane Moananu, Jack Barrett. Replacements: Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Ben Grant, Clem Halahalo, Teddy Wilson, Jack Debreczeni, Triston Reilly.
Officials: Referee: Marcus Playle Assistant referees: Todd Petrie; Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Ollie Kellert
Prediction: There is nothing but pride to play for in this Aussie derby, though neither side will want to end a frustrating year with a final defeat. The Force are probably the form Aussie team from the back half of the competition, though they made hard work of their win over the Drua last week. The Waratahs were meanwhile their own worst enemy against the Brumbies, but coach Dan McKellar insists there has been progress late in the year. He brings back Wallabies Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway and Pete Samu here, which may be enough to tip this one in favour of NSW, though it looks like a real toss-of-the-coin. Ben Donaldson will want to issue one final reminder to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, as he plays his first game in three weeks. Waratahs by 1.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Force: $1.52, -4.5 $1.85; Waratahs: $2.50, +4.5 $1.95