Friday, May 1

Highlanders v Sharks, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Head-to-head: Played 17, Highlanders 7, Sharks 10

In Dunedin: Played 8, Highlanders 4, Sharks 4

Last clash: Quarter-final, 2014 - Sharks 31-27 Highlanders, Durban

Key Stats

• The Highlanders have won their past four at home against South African sides, with three wins achieved by a margin of a converted try or less. Also, 12 of the their past 14 home games have been settled by losing bonus point margins (W10 L4); just one of these matches has seen a final points difference hit double figures.
• The Sharks are coming off three consecutive defeats, their worst run of form since losing five on the trot in April-May 2013.
• Only the Sharks (21.8) and Cheetahs (21.5) have averaged more missed tackles than the Highlanders (21.2).

Line-ups

• Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain); Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne; Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Nasi Manu (co-captain), Dan Pryor, Gareth Evans; Mark Reddish, Tom Franklin; Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames Replacements: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Pingi Tala'apitaga, Joe Latta, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Jason Emery
• Sharks: Odwa Ndungane; S'bura Sithole, JP Pietersen, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo; Fred Zeilinga, Cobus Reinach; Willem Alberts, Renaldo Bothma, Marcell Coetzee; Marco Wentzel (captain), Stephan Lewies; Lourens Adriaanse, Bismarck du Plessis , Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: Franco Marais, Dale Chadwick, Matt Stevens, Mouritz Botha , Etienne Oosthuizen, Conrad Hoffmann, Lionel Cronje, Waylon Murray

Injuries/Unavailable

• Highlanders: Alex Ainley (Jaw, TBC), Shane Christie (Hamstring, TBC), Ross Geldenhuys (Thumb, TBC), John Hardie (Ankle, TBC), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Knee, TBC), Hayden Parker (Shoulder, TBC), Mark Reddish (Ankle, 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), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Knee, Indefinite), Francois Steyn (Suspension, Round 13)

Team News

• Jamie Joseph, has made eight changes to the side defeated by the loss to Brumbies, with All Blacks Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa returning after their one-round rest. Richard Buckman returns in the midfield, while Josh Hohneck returns to tight-head prop, Mark Reddish has recovered from injury to replace second-rower Joe Wheeler, who suffered a grade 3 MCL tear, and both Gareth Evans and Dan Pryor make the back-row.
• Bismarck du Plessis returns to the starting side having served his four-week suspension for kicking Chiefs back-rower Michael Leitch in the face, but the Springboks hooker has relinquished the captaincy to concentrate on playing.

Greg Growden's verdict: At last the Sharks head out of South Africa after bombing an early dream draw. The Highlanders have their stars back, after they were rested against the Brumbies, and they will take it up a gear.

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

Brumbies v Waratahs, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Head-to-head: Played 26, Brumbies 11, Waratahs 15

In Canberra: Played 11, Brumbies 9, Waratahs 2

Last clash: Round 6, 2015 - Waratahs 28-13 Brumbies, Sydney

Key Stats

• The Waratahs have won the past three meetings between these sides, each by margins greater than two converted tries, while restricting the Brumbies to an aggregate of 29 points.
• The Brumbies are the only side yet to score a try from a possession that originated within their own half, but they have scored the most (18) when starting out with the ball in the opposition 22.
• The Tahs have scored 13 tries when starting with the ball in the attacking half but more than 22m from the try line, a competition high.

Line-ups

• Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Robbie Coleman, Joe Tomane, Christian Leali'ifano, Michael Dowsett; Ita Vaea, David Pocock, Scott Fardy; Sam Carter; Jordan Smiler; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, JP Smith. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaatoa, Ruan Smith, Blake Enever, Jarrad Butler, Joe Powell, James Dargaville, Nigel Ah Wong.

• Waratahs: Israel Folau, Peter Betham, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Jacques Potgieter; David Dennis, Will Skelton; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman. Stephen Hoiles, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro. (one to be omitted).

Injuries/Unavailable

• Brumbies: Scott Sio (Knee, Round 18), Matt Toomua (Ankle, Round 18), Nic White (Ankle, Round 13)
• Waratahs: Nil

Team News

• The Brumbies have been strengthened by the return of Wallabies lock Sam Carter who is back in the side after sitting out the win over the Highlanders following the tragic death of childhood friend and country rugby player Nick Tooth. Ita Vaea is also back in the run-on side at No.8.
• Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has reinstated big guns Wycliff Palu and Jacques Potgieter after the back-row duo started on the bench last week. That sees Dave Dennis return to lock while Pat McCutcheon drops back to the pine.

Greg Growden's verdict: The players will try (for a while) to keep their mouths zipped, but they will eventually start to sledge each other. Such is the feeling between these two gnarly rivals. There's too much history. The Waratahs should finish on top, for the second time this year, simply because the Brumbies are weakened by crucial injuries.

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

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Saturday, May 2

Blues v Force, Eden Park, Auckland

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

In Auckland: Played 4, Blue 3, Force 1

Last clash: Round 17, 2014 - Force 14-40 Blues, Perth

Key Stats

• The Blues have won 10 of their past 12 home games against Australian opponents, while the Force have beaten them just once in Super Rugby - away from home in 2008. Five of the Force's six defeats by the Blues have been by margins over 20 points.
• The Force have lost their past four matches against New Zealand sides by an average margin of 22 points.
• Defeat for the Force will signal their worst run of form in Super Rugby. They are on a nine-match losing streak.

Line-ups

• Blues: Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia, Francis Saili/Hamish Northcott, George Moala/Hamish Northcott, Melani Nanai, Dan Bowden, Jimmy Cowan; Jerome Kaino, Brendon O'Connor, Akira Ioane; Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis/Cululm Retallicj; Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodock. Replacements: James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Steven Luatua, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ihaia West, Hamish Northcott/Tevita Li.
• Force: Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Luke Burton, Nick Cummins; Sias Ebersohn, Ryan Louwrens; Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson (captain), Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman/Wilhelm Steenkamp, Steve Mafi, ; Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Guy Millar, Wilhelm Steenkamp/Ross Haylett-Petty, Kane Koteka, Justin Turner, Marcel Brache, Junior Rasolea

Injuries/Unavailable

• Blues: Bryn Hall (Foot, Round 17), Patrick Tuipulotu (Leg, Round 13), Pita Ahki (Achilles, Round 13)
• Force: Alby Mathewson (Knee, Round 14), Ian Prior (Suspended, Round 15), Francois van Wyk (Chest, Season), Sam Wykes (Foot, Round 14)

Team News

• Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has regained All Blacks Jerome Kaino , Charles Piutau and James Parsons after the trio sat out last week's loss to the Crusaders. Luke Braid also returns but he, like Parsons, will come off the bench.
• Ryan Louwrens makes his Super Rugby run-on debut as the only change to the team defeated by the Chiefs last week. He impressed on debut off the bench in Hamilton, and now replaces injured Alby Mathewson and suspended Ian Prior. Adam Coleman has been bracketed with Wilhelm Steenkamp after sustaining a shoulder knock against the Chiefs.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Force showed against the Chiefs that they can actually play attractive football, and don't always have to rely on the predictable one-man-out-from-the-ruck bashing-it-up routine. It didn't provide the required rewards in Hamilton, but hopefully it will in Auckland

Tips - Greg Growden: Force by 11 Sam Bruce: Blues Brett McKay: Blues Brittany Mitchell: Force Andy Withers: Blues

Hurricanes v Crusaders, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Head-to-head: Played 27, Hurricanes 8, Crusaders 16, Drawn 3

In Wellington: Played 12, Hurricanes 4, Crusaders 6, Drawn 2

Last clash: Round 17, 2014 - Hurricanes 16-9 Crusaders, Wellington

Key Stats

• The Hurricanes have won nine of their past 11 home matches; they lost their latest home fixture - to the Waratahs - but they have not lost two in a row in one season in Wellington since July 2013.
• The Canes have won four of the past five meetings between the sides after a run of one win in 11 against the Crusaders (D1 L9). This discounts the abandoned fixture which was declared a draw in 2011.
• The Hurricanes (12) and Crusaders (10) have scored the most tries this season when starting out with the ball inside their own half.

Line-ups

• Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, 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: Dane Coles, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Mark Abbott, Blade Thomson, Chris Smylie, Matt Proctor, James Marshall.
• Crusaders: Tom Taylor, David Havili, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis; Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua; Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Mitchell Drummond, Kieron Fonotia, Nafi Tuitavake.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Hurricanes:Chris Smylie (Calf, TBC), Victor Vito (Calf, TBC)
• Crusaders: Robbie Fruean (Arm, TBC), Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, TBC), Jone Macilai (Arm, TBC), Tim Perry (Ankle, TBC)

Team News

• Riding high at the top of the ladder, the news only gets better for the Hurricanes with All Blacks hooker Dane Coles and back-rower Blade Thomson shaking off injuries to return via the bench. Coach Chris Boyd has made two changes to the starting side meanwhile, with the impressive Nehe Milner-Skudder returning at full-back and veteran All Blacks star Cory Jane slotting onto the right wing.
• Hit by the loss of Richie McCaw, the Crusaders have a more than adequate replacement in Matt Todd . That is the only change to the pack while there is also just the one new face in the backline with veteran scrum-half Andy Ellis getting the nod ahead of Mitchell Drummond.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Hurricanes continue to astound all, as there would have been no one out there at the start of the season predicting they would be top after 11 rounds. This game will prove whether they are the real deal.

Tips - Greg Growden: Hurricanes by 2 Sam Bruce: Hurricanes Brett McKay: Hurricanes Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes Andy Withers: Hurricanes

Rebels v Chiefs, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Head-to-head: Played 3, Rebels 0, Chiefs 3

In Melbourne:Played 1, Rebels 0, Chiefs 1

Last clash: Round 9, 2014 - Chiefs 22-16 Rebels, Hamilton

Key Stats

• The Chiefs are on a four-match winning streak, their best run in a single campaign since racking up six straight victories in June 2013. They have also won three of their past four away games.
• The Rebels have lost five of their past six against New Zealand teams, scoring more than 20 points in just one of those games.
• The Rebels have scored the fewest second-half tries this season (6), while the Chiefs have tallied 13. The Chiefs have scored 27 tries this season, while no side has scored fewer than the Rebels (15).

Line-ups

• Rebels: Mike Harris ; Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison , Mitch Inman , Sefanaia Naivalu ; Jack Debreczeni , Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham (captain), Jordy Reid, Sean McMahon; Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones; Paul Alo-Emile , Pat Leafa, Toby Smith Replacements: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Tim Metcher, Cadeyrn Neville, Colby Fainga'a, Luke Burgess, Tom English, Bryce Hegarty
• Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Andrew Horrell, Brad Weber; Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Liam Messam; Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons; Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Siate Tokolahi, Jamie Mackintosh, Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Augustine Pulu, Damian McKenzie, Bryce Heem.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Rebels: Luke Jones (Concussion, TBC), Laurie Weeks (Knee, Round 16)
• Chiefs: Aaron Cruden (Knee, Season), Nathan Harris (Ankle, TBC), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Knee, Season), Tevita Koloamatangi (Ankle, TBC).

Team News

• Jordy Reid makes his first Rebels start of the season as one of two changes, while Luke Jones returns from a one-week absence due to concussion. Tom English is the final addition to the squad, as Tony McGahan reverts to a split of five forwards and three backs on his bench.
• The Chiefs have been bolstered by the return of skipper and All Blacks flanker Liam Messam who fulfilled one of his mandatory rest weeks in Round 11. Coach Jamie Joseph has promoted Andrew Horrell to fly-half at the expense of Marty McKenzie while props Ben Tameifuna and Paulisi Manu are also back in the run-on side. Lock Mike Fitzgerald replaces injured All Blacks star Brodie Retallick.

Greg Growden's verdict: Dodgy referee calls didn't help the Rebels last weekend against the Waratahs, as they showed yet again they are the big improvers in the Australian conference. Let's hope they keep their composure, because they will need to against the Chiefs.

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

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Cheetahs v Stormers, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Head-to-head: Played 6, Cheetahs 3, Stormers 2

In Bloemfontein: Played 13, Cheetahs 4, Stormers 9

Last clash: Round 11, 2014 - Cheetahs 35-22 Stormers, Bloemfontein

Key Stats

• The Cheetahs have scored fewer than seven points in three of their past five games against the Stormers - recording their only blank in Super Rugby history they the teams last played each other.
• The Cheetahs have won a lower proportion of scrum feeds (80%) than any other side while the Stormers have produced the most scrum steals (6).
• The Cheetahs have averaged the most turnovers won this season (9.6), but opponents of the Stormers have averaged fewer turnovers won (5.6) than against any other team.

Line-ups

• Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Ryno Benjamin, Francois Venter, Michael van der Spuy, Sergeal Petersen, Joe Pietersen, Sarel Pretorius; Willie Britz, Boom Prinsloo, Tienie Burger; Francois Uys, Carl Wegner; Coenie Oosthuizen,/Mak van Dyk, Tostern van Jaarsveld, Caylib Oosthuizen. Replacements: Stephan Coetzee, Dolph Botha, Maks van Dyk/Ewald vd Westhuizen, Steven Sykes, Carel Greef, Tian Meyer, Francois Brummer, Danie Dames.
• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Duane Vermeulen (captain), Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger; Ruan Botha, Jean Kleyn; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble Replacements:Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak, Vincent Koch, Manuel Carizza, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones

Injuries/Unavailable

• 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 Mohoje (Groin, Round 18), Willem Serfontein (Knee, TBC), BG Uys (Back, Round 14), Coenie van Wyk (Ankle, Round 17), Elgar Watts (Knee, TBC)
• Stormers: Jean de Villiers (Knee, Season), Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, indefinite), Michael Rhodes (Hamstring, Round 18), Kobus van Wyk (Hamstring, TBC)

Team News

• The Cheetahs have made a host of changes, the biggest of which sees Joe Pietersen return to fly-half after a week at the full-back while former Southern Kings flyer Sergeal Petersen will make his debut for the Cheetahs after recovering from a broken jaw. His inclusion means someone must drop out however and that, unfortunately, is Springboks winger Cornal Hendriks, the former Sevens star accepting one of his designated rest weeks.
• Stormers winger Dillyn Leyds returns after missing the win over the Bulls with a shoulder injury, named as one of three changes to the starting line-up. Prop Steven Kitshoff and lock Eben Etzebeth are rested - the latter as part of the SA Franchise teams' agreements with SA Rugby - with Oli Kebble and Jean Kleyn called up respectively. Kibble makes his first start after 16 matches off the bench.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Bloemfontein factor disorientates many teams, but not the Stormers.

Tips - Greg Growden: Stormers by 10 Sam Bruce: Stormers Brett McKay: Stormers Brittany Mitchell: Stormers Andy Withers: Stormers

Bulls v Lions, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Head-to-head: Played 20, Bulls 13, Lions 13

In Pretoria: Played 10, Bulls 7, Cheetahs 3

Last clash: Round 8, 2015 - Lions 22-18 Bulls, Johannesburg

Key Stats

• The past eight encounters between the Bulls and Lions have seen at least 40 points scored per game at an average of 50.
• The Bulls have lost just two of their past 24 home games in the regular season, their back-to-back home defeats at the start of the season the only blemishes on that record (W21 D1).
• The Lions have won five Super Rugby matches in a row for the first time, though each of these wins came by margins of five points or less, while they have scored the fewest first-half tries (5) in 2015 - less than half as many as the Bulls (12).

Line-ups

• Bulls: Jesse Kriel; Francois Hougaard, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson; Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl; Arno Botha, Jacques du Plessis, Lappies Labuschagne; Victor Matfield (captain), Flip van der Merwe; Marcel van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane Replacements: Callie Visagie, Morne Mellett, Andrew Beerwinkel, Grant Hattingh, Pierre Spies, Tian Schoeman, Burger Odendaal, Jurgen Visser.
• Lions: Marnitz Boshoff; Ruan Combrinck, Harold Vorster, Howard Mnisi, Andries Coetzee; Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel; Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira; Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee, Jacques van Rooyen Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, MB Lusaseni, Robert Kruger, Ross Cronje, Alwyn Hollenbach, Courtnall Skosan

Injuries/Unavailable

• Bulls: Carlo Engelbrecht (Ankle, Round 15), Dean Greyling (Knee, TBC), Travis Ismaiel (Ribs, TBC), 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), Basil Short (Cuts, TBC), Hencus van Wyk (Neck, TBC)
• Lions: Stephan de Wit (Shoulder, TBC), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Ankle, TBC), Lionel Mapoe (Knee, TBC), Malcolm Marx (Ankle, TBC), Martin Muller (Calf, TBC), Coenie Oosthuizen (Back, TBC)

Team News

• Victor Matfield returns from knee surgery that sidelined him for a month to play in his 145th match, replacing Grant Hattingh who drops to the bench. He also captains the Bulls for the first time since round one with Pierre Spies benched. The starting XV shows five changes from that which played the Stormers, with Jan Serfontein, Arno Botha, Lappies Labuschagne and Trevor Nyakane also recalled.
• The Lions have made six changes, with Robbie Coetzee and Julian Redelinghuys recalled to the front-row and three positionals changes in the backs. Andries Coetzee shifts to left wing and Harold Vorster moves to outside centre with Marnitz Boshoff starting at fullback and Howard Mnisi at inside centre berth. Alwyn Hollenbach has been drafted in to the squad after Lionel Mapoe sustained a minor knee injury.

Greg Growden's verdict: Like the Hurricanes, who would have thought the Lions would still be threatening. This game could easily determine which of these South African teams get through to the finals.

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

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