Team News

Greg Growden's verdict: The Chiefs will probably send a bouquet of flowers and a TV technician to the TMO room before this game in the hope of ensuring better reception in case there are any more key last-minute calls. The Bulls are bound to be the victims of the Chiefs' justified anger towards officialdom.

Tips - Greg Growden: Chiefs by 12 Sam Bruce: Chiefs Brett McKay: Chiefs Brittany Mitchell: Chiefs Andy Withers: Chiefs

Adriaan Strauss stands down as per the Springboks' rest agreement © Getty Images

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Chris Kuridrani replaces concussed Lachie Turner on a Reds wing © Johan Schmidt Photography

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Reds v Sharks, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Head-to-head: Played 17, Reds 9, Sharks 8

In Brisbane: Played 8, Reds 6, Sharks 2

Last Clash:Round 5, 2014 - Sharks 35-20 Reds, Durban

Key Stats

• The Sharks have lost their past six games - only the second time, after 2000, they have lost six on the spin in a single campaign.
• The Reds have held a half-time lead in just one of their past 14 Super Rugby games; they went on to win that game (Force). They have turned two half-time deficits into victories in that period.
• Only the Lions (109) have conceded more point in the 20 minutes before half-time than the Sharks (99) and the Reds (94).

Line-ups

• Reds: James O'Connor; Chris Feauai-Sautia, Karmichael Hunt, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani; Jake McIntyre, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson; James Horwill, Rob Simmons; Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper (captain) Replacements: Andrew Ready, Pettowa Paraka, Sam Talakai, Ed O'Donoghue, Lolo Fakaosilea, Nick Frisby, Sam Greene, Ben Tapuai
• Sharks: Lwazi Mvovo; Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Frans Steyn, S'bura Sithole; Lionel Cronje, Stefan Ungerer; Renaldo Bothma, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee; Marco Wentzel (captain) , Stephan Lewies; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: Franco Marais, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Mouritz Botha, Etienne Oosthuizen, Conrad Hoffmann, Fred Zeilinga, Andre Esterhuizen

Injuries/Unavailable

• Reds: Curtis Browning (Knee, TBC), Quade Cooper (Shoulder, Round 17), Ben Daley (Shoulder, Season), Anthony Fainga'a (Concussion, TBC) Saia Fainga'a (Upper body, TBC), Duncan Paia'aua (Concussion, TBC), Ed Quirk (Knee, TBC), Beau Robinson (Calf, TBC), Lachie Turner (Concussion, TBC)
• Sharks: Jean Deysel (Suspension, Round 16), Ryan Kankowski (Undisclosed, Round 16), Paul Jordaan (Undiscolsed, Round 16), Pat Lambie (Neck, Round 16), SP Marais (Undisclosed, Round 16), Tera Mtembu (Undisclosed, Round 16), Cobus Reinach (Fractured hand, TBC), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Knee, TBC)

Team News

• Reds coach Richard Graham has made just the one change this week with Chris Kuridrani replacing Lachie Turner on the wing after the former Wallabies flyer suffered concussion against the Rebels.
• Gary Gold has made one change to his starting side from that which pushed the Waratahs last week, recalling Tendai Mtawarira for Dale Chadwick in the front-row. Chadwick replaces Matt Stevens on the bench and Mouritz Botha comes in for Lubabalo Mtyanda.

Greg Growden's verdict: At last the Reds remembered what was required to win games: keep your hands on the ball. But there is still a long way to go before we can talk about a proper Reds revival. The Sharks will upset them, especially after feeling hard done by during the Waratahs game.

Tips - Greg Growden: Sharks by 4 Sam Bruce: Sharks Brett McKay: Reds Brittany Mitchell: Sharks Andy Withers: Reds

Tendai Mtawarira returns to an all-Springboks front-row for the Sharks © Getty Images

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Saturday, May 23

Head-to-head: Played 24, Blues 14, Hurricanes 9, Drawn 1

In Auckland: Played 12, Blues 8, Hurricanes 4

Last Clash:Round 5, 2015 - Hurricanes 30-23 Blues, Palmerston North

Key Stats

• The Blues are on a run of seven defeats against New Zealand Super Rugby teams, five on the road.
• Hurricanes matches this season have averaged 46 points, with six fixtures tallying 50+ points.
• The Canes average more tackles per game than any other team (135) while the Blues are the third-most tackled team (123).

Line-ups

• Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Ben Lam, Francis Saili, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Jamison Gibson-Park; Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Brendon O'Connor; Josh Bekhuis, Culum Retallick; Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Parsons (capt), Sam Prattley. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Angus Ta'avao, Nick Mayhew, Will Lloyd, Joe Edwards, Jimmy Cowan, Simon Hickey, Matt Vaega.
• Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, James Marshall, TJ Perenara; Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson; James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush (c ); Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Chris Eves. Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Ben May, Tolu Fahamokioa, Mark Abbott/Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Chris Smylie, Otere Black, Willis Halaholo.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Blues: Pita Ahki (Hamstring, Round 17), Dan Bowden (Groin, Round 17), Luke Braid (Concussion (TBC), Charlie Faumuina (Rested, Round 17), Bryn Hall (Foot, Round 17), Jerome Kaino (Finger, Season), Steven Luatua (Shoulder, Season), Hamish Northcott (Hamstring, TBC), Charles Piutau (Knee, Season), Hayden Triggs (Calf, TBC), Patrick Tuipolotu (Hip, Season), Tony Woodcock (Shoulder, Round 17)
• Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett (Knee, Round 17), Reggie Goodes (Suspended, Round 16), Conrad Smith (Concussion, TBC), Jason Woodward (Ankle, season)

Team News

• The Blues struck further injury trouble in the back-row in their win over the Bulls last week with stand-in skipper Steven Luatua suffering a shoulder complaint. The captain's armband has been passed onto hooker James Parsons while boom flanker Akira Ioane moves from the blindside to No.8. Ioane is joined in the back-row by another rising talent in Blake Gibson, the duo playing their last game before heading off to Italy for the Junior World Championship.
• The Hurricanes will be without skipper Conrad Smith after he suffered a bout of concussion in last week's win over the Chiefs. Coach Chris Boyd has promoted Ray Lee-Lo into the starting side at No.13 while the Hurricanes will also field an entirely new front-row withe Chris Eves, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Dane Coles to start up front.

Greg Growden's verdict: Each day new names bob up as potential Blues head coaches, as the pressure continues to build on John Kirwan. The Blues have in recent times picked up their act, but it won't be enough for an in-form Hurricanes.

Tips - Greg Growden: Hurricanes by 12 Sam Bruce: Hurricanes Brett McKay: Hurricanes Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes Andy Withers: Hurricanes

James Parsons has been handed the Blues captaincy after Steven Luatua succumbed to injury © Getty Images

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Waratahs v Crusaders, Stadium Australia, Sydney

Head-to-head: Played 21, Waratahs 5, Crusaders 16

In Sydney: Played 9, Waratahs 4, Crusaders 5

Last Clash: Grand Final 2014 - Waratahs 33-32 Crusaders, Sydney

Key Stats

• Five of the past six games between these sides have been settled by seven points or fewer.
• The Crusaders have passed the ball more than any other team this season, averaging 172 passes per game; the Waratahs rank second with 158 per game.
• The Waratahs boast three of the tournament's top four carriers: Kurtley Beale, (174), Israel Folau (172) and Bernard Foley (140).

Line-ups

• Waratahs: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Stephen Hoiles; Dave Dennis, Will Skelton; Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Jack Dempsey, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro, Peter Betham.
• Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua; Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Israel Dagg, Jone Macilai.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Waratahs: Tatafu Polota Nau (Concussion, TBC), Jacques Potgieter (Chest, TBC)
• Crusaders: Owen Franks (Rested, Round 15), Robbie Fruean (Arm, Indefinite), Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, TBC), Tim Perry (Ankle, TBC), Luke Romano (Rested, Round 15)

Team News

• Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has named the same starting side that defeated the Sharks after Jacques Potgieter failed to overcome a chest injury.
• All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has been reinstated in his customary No.7 role after starting from the bench in the Crusaders' huge win over the Reds in Round 13. His return has pushed the impressive Matt Todd to the reserves bench while Luke Romano, Ben Funnell and Owen Franks come into the starting side at lock, hooker and tighthead prop, respectively. The only change to the backline comes at scrum-half where Mitchell Drummond is rotated in for Andy Ellis. Prop Wyatt Crockett will surpass Corey Flynn as the all-time capped Crusaders player when he runs out for his 152nd game up front.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Waratahs remain nowhere near their best, and the Crusaders are primed for revenge after losing last year's grand final in Sydney. The Tahs are too erratic to tip with any confidence, and the Crusaders enjoy playing at ANZ Stadium.

Tips - Greg Growden: Crusaders by 3 Sam Bruce: Crusaders Brett McKay: Crusaders Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs Andy Withers: Waratahs

Richie McCaw has been reinstated to the Crusaders' starting side © Getty Images

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Sam Wykes returns via the bench © Getty Images

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Force v Highlanders, Perth Oval, Perth

Head-to-head: Played 8, Force 6, Highlanders 2

In Perth: Played 3, Force 2, Highlanders 1

Last Clash: Round 4, 2014- Highlanders 29-31 Force, Dunedin

Key Stats

• The Highlanders last defeated the Force in 2007, since when the Australian side has racked up six wins.
• The Highlanders have lost 14 of their past 15 away games against Australian opposition.
• The Force have spent more time in possession than any other team this season on average (17m23s), whilst only the Cheetahs have spent less time on the ball than the Dunedin-based side (13m50s).

Line-ups

• Force: Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Marcel Brache, Kyle Godwin, Nick Cummins; Sias Ebersohn, Ryan Louwrens; Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson (captain), Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman, Steve Mafi; Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Guy Millar, Sam Wykes, Kane Koteka, Alby Mathewson, Luke Burton, Brad Lacey.
• Highlanders: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Gareth Evans; Mark Reddish, Alex Ainley; Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Brendon Edmonds. Replacements: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, Tom Franklin, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Richard Buckman, Marty Banks.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Force: Francous van Wyk (Torn pectoral, Season), Solomoni Rasolea (Ankle, TBC)
• Highlanders: Shane Christie (Hamstring, TBC), Kane Hames (Knee, TBC), Hayden Parker (Shoulder, TBC), Joe Wheeler (Knee, Season)

Team News

• Dane Haylett-Petty returns after missing the Waratahs match with a groin injury, while Marcel Brache, who started on the wing against the Tahs, will start at outside centre. Kyle Godwin shifts to No.12 to replace Solomoni Rasolea. Australia Under-20 winger Brad Lacey is set to debut from the bench, where Sam Wykes also returns from a foot injury that has sidelined him for three matches.

• The Highlanders still need to find rest weeks for Ben and Aaron Smith, and Malakai Fekitoa after coach Jamie Joseph included the All Blacks trio in his run-on side to face the Force. The Highlanders have been boosted in the backs with Shaun Treeby and Waisake Naholo both back from injury. Ben Smith, meanwhile, will be playing his 100th Super Rugby game for the Highlanders.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Highlanders ain't the Waratahs, and they're a bit smarter in knowing how to avoid rope-a-dope tactics.

Tips - Greg Growden: Highlanders by 8 Sam Bruce: Highlanders Brett McKay: Highlanders Brittany Mitchell: Highlanders Andy Withers: Highlanders

Ben Smith will play his 100th Super Rugby game for the Highlanders © Getty Images

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Cheetahs v Lions, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Head-to-head: Played 12, Cheetahs 5, Lions 7

In Bloemfontein: Played 6, Cheetahs 3, Lions 3

Last Clash: Round 11, 2015 - Lions 34-29 Cheetahs, Johannesburg

Key Stats

• The Cheetahs have held a half-time lead in four of their past five games against the Lions, but they won just one.
• Seven of the Lions' past eight games have been settled by five points or fewer (W6, L2).
• The Lions have the best tackle success rate this season (88%) while the Cheetahs have broken fewer tackles per game than any other team (12.7).

Line-ups

• Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Cornal Hendricks, Francois Venter, Michael van der Spuy, Raymond Rhule, Francois Brummer, Tian Meyer; Willie Britz, Boom Prinsloo, Carel Greeff; Francois Uys, Carl Wegner; Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Danie Mienie. Replacements: Stephan Coetzee, BG Uys, Ewald vd Westhuizen, Steven Sykes, Henco Venter, Shaun Venter, Coenie van Wyk, Ryno Benjamin.
• Lions: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley, Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel; Martin Muller, Andries Ferreira; Ruan Dreyer, Robbie Coetzee, Jacques van Rooyen. Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Schalk van der Merwe, Julian Redlinghuys, Franco Mostert, Robert Kruger, Ross Cronje, Jaco van der Walt, Harold Vorster.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Cheetahs: Heinrich Brussow (Arm, Season), Lood de Jager (Elbow, Round 15), Armandt Koster (Back, TBC), Willie le Roux (Ankle, Round 16), Hilton Lobbets (Knee, Round 15), Oupa Mohoje (Groin, Round 18), Joe Pietersen (Shoulder, TBC), Sarel Pretorius (Shoulder, TBC), Willem Serfontein (Knee, TBC), Elgar Watts (Knee, TBC)
• Lions: Stephan de Wit (Shoulder, TBC), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Ankle, TBC), Malcolm Marx (Ankle, TBC), Derrick Minnie (Knee, Season), Martin Muller (Calf, TBC)

Team News

• The Cheetahs have been booster by the return of Springboks winger Cornal Hendricks while Carel Greeff has also come into the starting side at blindside flanker in place of the concussed Tienie Burger.
• Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made a host of changes for the trip to Bloemfontein, the biggest of which is the return of hard-working flanker Warwick Tecklenburg . The backline should also benefit from the promotion of speedtser Courtnall Skosan while Howard Mnisi forms a new centre combination alongside Lionel Mapoe.

Greg Growden's verdict: You have to admire how the Lions have picked up their act this year, after being a waste of time for so long. Bloemfontein is always a difficult place to win, but the Lions have the confidence to do it.

Tips - Greg Growden: Lions by 8 Sam Bruce: Lions Brett McKay: Lions Brittany Mitchell: Lions Andy Withers: Lions

Stormers v Rebels, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

Head-to-head: Played 3, Stormers 2, Rebels 1

In Cape Town: Played 1, Stormers 1, Rebels 0

Last Clash: Round 14, 2013 - Rebels 30-21 Stormers, Melbourne

Key Stats

• The Stormers have won their past four against Aussie opposition, despite trailing at half-time in two.
• The Rebels are yet to win in South Africa, losing all eight games so far, picking up just two losing points in the process and conceding an average of 40 points per game.
• Damian de Allende has beaten the most defenders this season (49), 23 more than the top Rebels player (Sean McMahon, 26).

Line-ups

• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe, Seabelo Senatla, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds, Demetri Catrakilis, Louis Schreuder; Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger; Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ali Vermaak. Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Nizaam Carr, Nic Groom, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones.
• Rebels: Mike Harris, Cam Crawford, Dom Shipperley, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham, Scott Fuglistaller, Sean McMahon; Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones; Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah-Nau. Res: Tom Sexton, Keita Inagaki, Laurie Weeks, Cadeyrn Neville, Jordy Reid, Colby Fainga'a, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Stormers: Jean de Villiers (Knee, Season), Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, Season), Huw Jones (Hip, TBC), Michael Rhodes (Hamstring, Round 16-18), Kobus van Wyk (Knee, Round 17)
• Rebels: Sefa Naivalu (Concussion, TBC) Tamati Ellison (Groin, TBC), Toby Smith (Back, TBC).

Team News

• The World Rugby Sevens Series wrapped up in London last week and not a moment too soon for the Stormers who have rushed Blitzbokke star Seabelo Senatla straight into their starting side. The Cape Town-side have made two others changes with Louis Schreuder replacing Nic Groom at scrum-half and Scarra Ntubeni earning a start at hooker ahead of Bongi Mbonambi.
• The Rebels have been dealt a double blow in the backs with the in-form Sefanaia Naivalu and Tamati Ellison unfit for action this week. Their spots in the run-on side have been taken by Cam Crawford , who makes his Rebels debut, and Tom English whose inclusion on the wing pushes Dom Shipperley to centre. There a also a couple of changes to the pack with Cruze Ah-Nau coming in for the injured Toby Smith and Scott Fuglistaller replacing Jordy Reid on the side of the scrum.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Rebels suddenly looked vulnerable when strangled of possession against the Reds, and that would have dented their confidence. The Stormers at home gives the Cape Town side the edge.

Tips - Greg Growden: Stormers by 6 Sam Bruce: Stormers Brett McKay: Stormers Brittany Mitchell: Stormers Andy Withers: Stormers