Friday, 24 April

Chiefs v Force, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Head-to-Head: Played 8, Chiefs 6, Force 2

In Hamilton: Played 3, Chiefs 3, Force 0

Last clash: Round 6, 2014 - Force 18-15 Chiefs, Perth

Key Stats

• The past three games between the sides have been settled by single-figure margins, but the Chiefs won four of the first five meetings by 17 or more points.
• The Chiefs have the lowest ruck success rate (93%) while the Force rank second (96%).
• The Chiefs have the best tackling success rate this season (90%), while opponents of the Force have made a higher proportion of their tackles (90%) than against other team.

Line-ups

• Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber; Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul; Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons; Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu Ben Tamfiefuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Liam Squire, Augustine Pulu, Damian McKenzie, Andrew Horrell.
• Force: Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Luke Burton, Nick Cummins; Sias Ebersohn, Ian Prior; Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson (captain), Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman, Steve Mafi; Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Oliver Hoskins, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Kane Koteka, Ryan Louwrens, Junior Rasolea, Marcel Brache.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Chiefs: Aaron Cruden (Knee, Season), Nathan Harris (Ankle, TBC), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Knee, Season), Tevita Koloamatangi (Ankle, TBC), Liam Messam (Rested, Round 12)
• Force: Alby Mathewson (Knee, Round 14), Francois van Wyk (Chest, Season), Sam Wykes (Foot, Round 14)

Team News

• The biggest selection news for the Chiefs obviously comes in the loss of All Blacks playmaker Aaron Cruden. His place has been taken by Marty McKenzie while there is also a major change to the pack with Johan Bardoul replacing All Blacks back-rower Liam Messam at No.6.
• Western Force captain Matt Hodgson makes his first start of the Super Rugby season after a hamstring injury ruled him out for the first nine matches, while Pek Cowan becomes the second Force player to reach 100 Super Rugby caps. Ryan Louwrens is set to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Chiefs have lost Aaron Cruden for an eternity, and Force coach Michael Foley is playing the Hard Luck Hal card by whingeing about the schedule. It won't work. It's not the draw that has messed up their year, it's their predictable tactics and lack of good players.

Tips - Greg Growden: Chiefs by 18 Sam Bruce: Chiefs Brett McKay: Chiefs Brittany Mitchell: Chiefs Andy Withers: Chiefs

Brumbies v Highlanders, Canberra Stadium, Canberra

Head-to-Head: Played 18, Brumbies 11, Highlanders 7

In Canberra: Played 9, Brumbies 7, Highlanders 2

Last clash: Round 9, 2013 - Highlanders 19-30 Brumbies, Dunedin

Key Stats

• The Brumbies have lost two in a row, with those matches producing just 51 points combined. They have not lost three in a row since May 2011. The Highlanders, meanwhile, are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory for the first time since March 2012.
• The Brumbies rank 1st (91%) and the Highlanders 3rd (89%) for lineout success rate.
• The Brumbies' opponents gain fewer metres per game (341) than against any other side, while the Highlanders have conceded the most per game (499).

Line-ups

• Brumbies: Jesse Mogg; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Robbie Coleman, Joseph Tomane; Christian Leali'ifano, Michael Dowsett; Ita Vaea, David Pocock, Scott Fardy; Blake Enever, Jordan Smiler; Ruan Smith, Stephen Moore (captain), Jean-Pierre Smith. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Jarrad Butler, Joe Powell, Nigel Ah Wong, Rodney Iona.
• Highlanders: Trent Renata, Waisake Naholo, Richard Buckman, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Fumiaki Tanaka; Nasi Manu, James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon; Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Pingi Tala'apitaga, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Replacements: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Josh Hohneck,. Joe Latta, Gareth Evans, Dan Pryor, Josh Renton, Jason Emery.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Brumbies: James Dargaville (Foot, Round 14), Tevita Kuridrani (Shoulder, Round 16), Scott Sio (Knee, Round 18), Matt Toomua (Ankle, Round 18), Nic White (Ankle, Round 13)
• Highlanders: Alex Ainley (Jaw, TBC), Shane Christie (Hamstring, TBC), Malakai Fekitoa (Rested, Round 13), Ross Geldenhuys (Thumb, TBC), John Hardie (Ankle, TBC), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Knee, TBC), Hayden Parker (Shoulder, TBC), Mark Reddish (Ankle, TBC), Aaron Smith (Rested, Round 13), Ben Smith (Rested, Round 13)

Team News

• The Brumbies have made eight changes to their run-on side, with the return from injury of Wallabies outside backs Tevita Kuridrani and Jesse Mogg key. Sam Carter is absent because of personal reasons, with South African twins JP and Ruan Smith starting in the front-row together for the first time after Ben Alexander was benched as part of a rotation plan. Ita Vaea starts at No 8 ahead of Jarrad Butler, while Blake Enever and Jordan Smiler will pack down in the second row. In the backs, Robbie Coleman moves from fullback to accommodate Mogg, while Henry Speight returns to the wing to make room for Kuridrani at outside centre.
• Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has rolled the dice in deciding to rest all three of his All Blacks stars in the same week. Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa will all serve a mandatory New Zealand Rugby rest-breaks this weekend with Trent Renata, Fumiaki Tanaka and Richard Buckman filling the holes at full-back, half-back and outside-centre, respectively.

Greg Growden's verdict: Danger. Danger. Danger. The Canberra crowd figures are dropping, the Brumbies have a long list of big-name injuries, and the back-up, as discovered against the Rebels, is a bit flimsy. The Highlanders are decidedly better than the Rebels - and so the pain for the Brumbies should continue.

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

Saturday, 25 April

Crusaders v Blues, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Head-to-Head: Played 25, Crusaders 14, Blues 11

In Christchurch: Played 12, Crusaders 9, Blues 3

Last clash: Round 18, 2014 - Crusaders 21-13 Blues, Christchurch

Key Stats

• The hosts are on a two-match losing streak, and one more loss will equal their worst ever sequence. They have lost three matches in a row in a single campaign on just five occasions.
• The Blues have lost 10 of their past 11 matches, but their heaviest defeat in this run was a 2311 loss to the Waratahs and they have snared losing bonuses in seven games.
• The Crusaders have scored the most tries from scrums (8) this season, with the Blues ranking joint-second with six.

Line-ups

• Crusaders: Tom Taylor; David Havili, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo; Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond; Kieran Read (captain), Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua; Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett Replacements: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Kieron Fonotia, Nafi Tuitavake
• Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Frank Halai, Francis Saili, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Dan Bowden, Jimmy Cowan; Steven Luatua, Brendon O'Connor, Akira Ioane; Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis; Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Culum Retallick, Blake Gibson, Jamison, Gibson-Park, Ihaia West, Tevita Li.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Crusaders: Robbie Fruean (Arm, TBC), Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, TBC), Jone Macilai (Arm, TBC), Tim Perry (Ankle, TBC)
• Blues: Luke Braid (Concussion, Round 11-12), Bryn Hall (Foot, Round 17), Patrick Tuipulotu (Leg, Round 13), Pita Ahki (Achilles, Round 13).

Team News

• Todd Blackadder has made four changes to his starting line-up to face the Blues, with Codie Taylor and Ben Funnell rotated at hooker and Owen Franks and Nepo Laulala rotated at tight-head. Mitchell Drummond starts at halfback with Andy Ellis moving to the bench, while Ryan Crotty has recovered from a head knock.

• Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu will don the captain's armband this week with regular skipper Jerome Kaino having a rest. The All Blacks rake is part of an new-look, all-Test front-row that also features Charlie Faumuina and Tony Woodcock. Kaino's place at No.8 has been taken by Steven Luatua who returns after sitting out the Round 10 loss to the Highlanders.

Greg Growden's verdict: If they can't beat the Blues, the one-time Super Rugby power can't beat anyone

Tips - Greg Growden: Crusaders by 12 Sam Bruce: Crusaders Brett McKay: Crusaders Brittany Mitchell: CrusadersAndy Withers: Crusaders

Waratahs v Rebels, ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Head-to-Head: Played 9, Waratahs 8, Rebels 1

In Sydney: Played 4, Waratahs 4, Lost 0

Last clash: Round 2, 2015 - Rebels 28-38 Waratahs, Melbourne

Key Stats

• This fixture averages 50 points, and only once has it failed to produce 40+ points.
• The Rebels have won their last two matches, but they have never won three in a row.
• The Tahs have scored six tries from possessions that have gone 7+ phases, a competition joint-high. The Rebels have managed five.

Line-ups

• Waratahs: Israel Folau; Peter Betham, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Dave Dennis (captain), Michael Hooper, Jacques Potgieter; Mitchell Chapman, Will Skelton; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Wycliff Palu, Stephen Hoiles, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro (one to be omitted).
• Rebels: Mike Harris; Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Sefanaia Naivalu; Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham (co-captain), Scott Fuglistaller (co-captain), Sean McMahon; Lopeti Timani, Cadeyrn Neville; Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Replacements: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Tim Metcher, Sam Jeffries, Colby Fainga'a, Jordy Reid, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Waratahs: Nil
• Rebels: Luke Jones (Concussion, TBC), Laurie Weeks (Knee, Round 16)

Team News

• Michael Cheika has benched Wycliff Palu to provide impact late in the game, while shuffling his pack. Dave Dennis replaces Palu at No.8, Jacques Potgieter starts at blindside after coming off the bench against the Hurricanes, and Mitchell Chapman gets his first start of the season in the second row. Tatafu Polota-Nau will start his first match in more than a month after finally overcoming his concussion battle. Pat McCutcheon, who started in Wellington, drops to the bench alongside Palu. The backs are unchanged from the Hurricanes match, while Taqele Naiyaravoro - who missed the match in Wellington due to visa problems - is on an extended bench.
• Wallabies winger Dom Shipperley returns to the starting line-up after recovering from a hand injury, scoring a double on his Dewar Shield debut last weekend, while Sam Jeffries replaces Luke Jones in the squad after the second-rower developed concussion symptoms in Canberra. Cadeyrn Neville replaces Jones in the starting pack.

Greg Growden's verdict: At last the Waratahs got their act together, with their best win of the season, against the Hurricanes in Wellington. Now it's time to show they are not one-week wonders.

Tips - Greg Growden: Waratahs by 4 Sam Bruce: Waratahs Brett McKay: Waratahs Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs Andy Withers: Rebels

Lions v Cheetahs, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Head-to-Head: Played 11, Lions 6, Cheetahs 5

In Johannesburg: Played 5, Lions 3, Cheetahs 2

Last clash: Round 19, 2014 - Lions 60-25 Cheetahs, Johannesburg

Key Stats

• Lions matches this season have averaged 37 points in total, and are yet to produce 45+. The Cheetahs' past three games have also each produced fewer than 40 points each.
• The last meeting between the sides produced the Lions' largest ever victory (60-25), while the Cheetahs' 59-10 defeat of the Lions in May 2010 represents their largest win.
• This fixture has always either produced a losing bonus point (seven occasions) or a final points difference of more than 20 points (four occasions).

Line-ups

• Lions: Andries Coetzee; Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel; Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira ; Ruan Dreyer, Armand van der Merwe, Jacques van Rooyen Replacements: Robbie Coetzee, Corne Fourie, Julian Redelinghuys, MB Lusaseni, Robert Kruger, Ross Cronje, Marnitz Boshoff, Howard Mnisi
• Cheetahs: Joe Pietersen, Cornal Hendricks, Johann Sadie, Francois Venter, Ryno Benjamin, Willie du Plessis, Srael Pretorius; Willie Britz, Boom Prinsloo, Tienie Burger; Francois Uys, Carl Wegner; Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Danie Mienie. Replacements: Stephan Coetzee, Caylib Oosthuizen, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Steven Sykes, Carel Greeff, Tian Meyer, Michael van der Spuy, Clayton Blommetjies.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Lions: Stephan de Wit (Shoulder, TBC), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Ankle, TBC), Malcolm Marx (Ankle, TBC), Martin Muller (Calf, TBC), Coenie Oosthuizen (Back, Round 12)
• Cheetahs: Heinrich Brussow (Arm, Season), Lood de Jager (Elbow, Round 15), Armandt Koster (Back, TBC), Willie le Roux (Ankle, Round 16), Hilton Lobberts (Knee, Round 15), Derick Minnie (Knee, Season), Oupa Mohoke (Groin, Round 18), Sergeal Peterson (Jaw, Round 9-10), Willem Serfontein (Knee, TBC), BG Uys (Back, Round 14), Coenie van Wyk (Ankle, Round 17), Elgar Watts (Knee, TBC)

Team News

• Johan Ackermann has made three changes to his Lions side, with hooker Armand van der Merwe and tight-head prop Ruan Dreyer drafted into the pack and Courtnall Skosan back on the left wing having recovered from injury. MB Lusaseni joins the bench to make his season debut after long-term injury while Derick Minnie drops out of the matchday 23 after sustaining a season-ending keen injury at training on Tuesday.

• The Cheetahs have been forced into numerous changes with Heinrich Brussow, prop BG Uys, and fullback Coenie van Wyk joining the walking wounded alongside Willie le Roux, who is set to be out for five weeks. Van Wyk's unavailability means Joe Pietersen will move to fullback, while Willie du Plessis takes charge at fly-half. Clayton Blommetjies will provide back-three cover from the bench. Danie Mienie steps in for Uys, while Caylib Oosthuizen makes a return to the side on the bench. Connie Oosthuizen was a late omission with a back injury, replaced by Maks van Dyk.

Greg Growden's verdict: Home-town advantage. Nothing else. Next.

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

Stormers v Bulls, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

Head-to-Head: Played 23, Stormers 13, Bulls 9, Drawn 1

In Cape Town: Played 11, Stormers 7, Bulls 3, Drawn 1

Last clash: Round 1, 2015 - Bulls 17-29 Stormers, Pretoria

Key Stats

• Jessie Kriel is the top metre-maker (877) this term, while Damian de Allende tops the charts for defenders beaten (38).
• The Stormers won 16-0 when they last hosted the Bulls, the lowest-scoring game either side has been involved in. That was the third time the Stormers had blanked a side, and the fourth time the Bulls had failed to score a point.
• Each side has conceded 17 tries this season. The Stormers have conceded the most second-quarter tries (nine, six more than the Bulls) while the Bulls have conceded the joint-most third-quarter five-pointers (8).

Line-ups

• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Pat Howard; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Duane Vermeulen (captain), Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger; Ruan Botha, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff Replacements: Scarra Ntubeni, Oli Kebble, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones
• Bulls: : Jesse Kriel; Francois Hougaard, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson; Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl; Pierre Spies (captain), Jacques du Plessis, Deon Stegmann; Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe; Marcel van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss, Dean Greyling Replacements: Callie Visagie, Morne Mellett, Trevor Nyakane, Arno Botha, Lappies Labuschagne, Akona Ndungane, Tian Schoeman, Jurgen Visser.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Stormers: Jean de Villiers (Knee, Season), Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, indefinite), Dillyn Leyds (Shoulder, Round 12) Michael Rhodes (Hamstring, Round 18), Kobus van Wyk (Hamstring, TBC)
• Bulls: Carlo Engelbrecht (Ankle, Round 15), Travis Ismaiel (Ribs, Round 12), Werner Kruger (Ankle, Round 14), Bandise Maku (Chest, Season), Victor Matfield (Knee, TBC), Duncan Matthews (Knee, Season), Pierre Schoeman (Knee, Season), William Small-Smith (Foot, TBC), Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Hamstring, TBC), Rudy Paige (Knee, TBC)

Team News

• Duane Vermeulen regains the captain's armband after his two-week rest period, the Springboks No.8 one of four changes to the starting line-up that defeated Western Force last Saturday. Kotze and Northampton Saints-bound Pat Howard replace injured wingers Kobus van Wyk and Dillyn Leyds, respectively. Howard will make his Super Rugby debut, with Kotze set to win his sixth cap.while Nic Groom takes over at scrum-half from Louis Schreuder.
• Piet van Zyl is one of two changes to the Bulls' XV, the Springboks half-back due to make his third start for the team after being named to replace injured Rudy Paige. Frans Ludeke has also added Jan Serfontein with the incumbent Springboks centre fit again after a hip flexor problem. Burger Odendaal, who deputised for Serfontein the last four weeks, drops out of the squad.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Stormers are back at home after a reasonable road trip through New Zealand and Australia, and now is the time for them to assert themselves as a tournament trendsetter.

Tips - Greg Growden: Stormers by 5 Sam Bruce: Stormers Brett McKay: Stormers Brittany Mitchell: Stormers Andy Withers: Bulls

Sunday, 26 April

Queensland Reds v Hurricanes, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Head-to-Head: Played 18, Reds 6, Hurricanes 12

In Brisbane: Played 8, Reds 4, Hurricanes 4

Last clash: Round 11, 2014 - Hurricanes 35-21 Reds, Wellington

Key Stats

• The Canes equalled their franchise record for consecutive victories (7) before they lost to the Waratahs in round 10, but have not lost consecutive matches since March 2014. They have also won 10 of the past 12 matches between the sides.
• Only the Bulls (27.3) have averaged more points than the Hurricanes (27) this season. The Reds have scored the fewest, an average of 12.3.
• The Reds' try difference is -13 this season, compared with +14 for the Canes.

Line-ups

• Reds: Lachie Turner; Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, James O'Connor; Nick Frisby, Will Genia; Adam Thomson, Liam Gill, Adam Korczyk; James Horwill, Rob Simmons; Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper Replacements: Andrew Ready, Sef Faagase, Sam Talakai, Marco Kotze, Lolo Fakaosilea, Scott Gale, Campbell Magnay, Chris Kuridrani
• Hurricanes: James Marshall, Matt Proctor, Conrad Smith (captain), Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes. Replacements: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Mark Abbott, Adam Hill, Chris Smylie, Rey Lee-Lo, Cory Jane.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Queensland Reds: Quade Cooper (Shoulder, Round 17), Duncan Paia'aua (Concussion, TBC), Eddie Quirk (Knee, TBC), Beau Robinson (Calf, TBC), Jake Schatz (Elbow, Indefinite)
• Hurricanes: Dane Coles (Elbow, Round 13), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Calf, Round 12), Chris Smylie (Calf, TBC), Blade Thomson (Consussion, TBC), Victor Vito (Calf, TBC)

Team News

• Richard Graham has made four changes to his starting side, with Curtis Browning and Karmichael Hunt ruled out by respective knee and adductor injuries. Adam Korczyk will make his starting debut at blindside flanker, in place of the injured Browning, while Lachie Turner shifts from wing to replace Hunt at fullback. Chris Feauai-Sautia moves from outside centre to wing with Anthony Fainga'a brought back into the starting side at inside centre.
• Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has rejigged his back three due to the injury of full-back Nehe Milner-Skudder. James Marshall and Matt Proctor return to the starting line-up with Cory Jane moving to the replacements bench.

Greg Growden's verdict: At last a win and Queensland players are saying they can beat anyone. Whoa there boys! Beating the Cheetahs, with luck running your way, isn't exactly the time to start chest-beating. Reality will return on Sunday.

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