Nick Cummins is expected to lead the Force to their sixth straight win this weekend © Getty Images

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Friday, April 18

Hurricanes v Blues, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST

Head to head: Played 21; Hurricanes 7, Blues 12, Drawn 2

In Wellington: Played 10; Hurricanes 3, Blues 6, Drawn 1

Last clash: Round 9 2013, Blues 28 - 6 Hurricanes, Eden Park, Auckland

Preview: Both sides sat out last weekend with the bye and will be ready to hit the field running, with both sides sitting on three wins to date. The Hurricanes have showcased their ability with the ball out wide and will be sure to use Cory Jane to create attacking opportunities. With the home ground advantage, the Hurricanes will be a tough prospect.

The Blues were disappointed after they were kept tryless against the Brumbies in Canberra two weeks ago and will be ready to redeem themselves against the Hurricanes. A poor defensive effort against the Brumbies saw the side miss 21 tackles and concede three tries. Making seven changes to the side, coach Sir John Kirwan will hope they bring a turn around to the side.

Greg Growden writes: At least both teams will be fresh coming back from the bye, and with the prospect of a new coach appearing in Wellington, the Hurricanes should make full use of home ground advantage. The Blues remain rickety.

Tips: Greg Growden: Hurricanes by 3 Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes by 7Brett McKay: Hurricanes by 5

Rebels v Force, AAMI Park, Melbourne

19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 19:40 EST, 19:10 CST, 17:40 WST

Head to head: Played 7; Rebels 5, Force 2

In Melbourne: Played 3; Rebels 2, Force 1

Last clash: Round 4 2014, Force 32 - 7 Rebels, nib Stadium, Perth

Preview: There is no doubting the Force after their performance against the Waratahs last week. With almost no possession (33%) or territory (29%), the Force proved a simple game plan works, with the side pouncing on any of the Waratahs mistakes to score three tries and held strong in defence to let in only one try. Earning their fifth consecutive win - a first for the Force - they will enter round 10 with all the momentum behind them. Although they lost several players through injury after their massive win, their three keys players - Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman and Nick 'the Honey Badger' Cummins - remain and will be ready to rally the troops and lead them to a sixth straight victory.

The Rebels were unlucky to fall short to the Chiefs last weekend after clawing their way back from a 19-0 margin in the first half to come undone in the final minutes and finish 6-points short. A slow start and poor discipline cost the side early, but they made a quick turn around in the second half and showed dashes of greatness around the pitch. Bryce Hegarty, Jason Woodward and Scott Higginbotham will be essential in firing up the struggling pack.

Greg Growden writes: Love the Force. Absolutely love 'em. Fell asleep during last week's game. Who won?

Tips: Greg Growden: Rebels by 8 Brittany Mitchell: Force by 10 Brett McKay: Force by 10

Saturday, April 19

Chiefs v Crusaders, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST

Head to head: Played 24; Chiefs 9, Crusaders 15

In Hamilton: Played 13; Chiefs 6, Crusaders 7

Last clash: Round 2 2014, Chiefs 18 - 10 Crusaders, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Preview: After a successful tour of South Africa, the Crusaders will head to Hamilton seeking revenge for their second-round loss. Struggling early in the season, the Crusaders had a huge turnaround during their tour, scoring nine tries in two matches, more than they had scored in their previous four games. Although they will be weary coming off the back from a tiring tour, their firing backline will ready for the test.

The Chiefs scored a somewhat unconvincing win against the Rebels last week off the back of two draws in South Africa and a loss to the Force in Perth. They made quick work against the Rebels, taking advantage of their poor discipline to gain a 19-point lead early in the match, however a lack of discipline cost them later in the match and their lead was quickly chased down. Fortunate to survive the closing minutes of that match, the Chiefs will face a harder side to shut down.

Greg Growden writes: The tyranny of distance should bring down the Crusaders. They're coming back from South Africa full of vim, but encounter a resourceful Chiefs who again show they have the depth to overcome serious injuries.

Tips: Greg Growden: Chiefs by 2 Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders by 5 Brett McKay: Crusaders by 7

Waratahs v Bulls, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 19:40 EST, 19:10 CST, 17:40 WST

Head to head: Played 19; Waratahs 8, Bulls 11

In Sydney: Played 8; Waratahs 5, Bulls 3

Last clash: Round 12 2012, Bulls 27 - 24 Waratahs, Allianz, Sydney

Preview: The Waratahs won't use the controversial withdrawal of Israel Folau as an excuse for their disappointing loss to the Force last weekend, after the side held close to all the of the possession (67%) and territory (71%) but failed to produce the points. Camped within the Force's half for most of the match, the Waratahs were impressive with crunching tackles, strong line breaks (10) and dazzling backline moves, but the side's lack of execution cost them the match. The forward pack was impressive with a dominant scrum; however, the Waratahs defence was lacking, as they were slow to reach the breakdown and allowed the Force to make easy metres. A return home should bring a more settled side to the game.

The Bulls started strong last week, taking advantage of poor discipline to build momentum, however too many errors of their own cost the side the match. Taking an early lead last week, the Bulls were impressive, but a lack of attacking penetration and too many turnovers (23) allowed the Highlanders back into the match. Simply outplayed in the second half, the Bulls will need to play a full 80 minutes if they hope to take down the Waratahs.

Greg Growden writes: After being dudded by the Australian Rugby Union when ridiculously forced to withdraw Israel Folau and then in Perth struck down by an inexperienced, jittery referee, the Waratahs should get their season back on track against the Bulls.

Tips: Greg Growden: Waratahs by 6 Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs by 12 Brett McKay: Waratahs by 5

Sharks v Cheetahs, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

15:00 local, 13:00 GMT, 23:00 EST, 22:30 CST, 21:00 WST

Head to head: Played 12; Sharks 7, Cheetahs 5

In Durban: Played 6; Sharks 3, Cheetahs 3

Last clash: Round 10 2013, Cheetahs 12 - 6 Sharks, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

Preview: The Sharks continued their winning ways following their bye, with a 13-point win over the Lions. Their attack impressed, however a lack of execution - with 23 turnovers - cost them as they struggled to cross the whitewash. A lack of discipline kept the Lions in touch throughout the match and also cost them a player to the sin bin. But a return to Durban should be all the side needs to return to their attacking best.

The Cheetahs have been unable to hold off a second-half fight back for two consecutive weeks, with the side letting slip a 24-point lead against the Chiefs to end with a draw and due to poor discipline allowed the Crusaders to score six tries and blow out the score line last week. Lack of execution was the Cheetahs undoing, with the side conceding 16 turnovers, leading to many of the Crusaders tries. The side displayed strong backline moves with Sarel Pretorius and Willie le Roux keeping the Cheetahs in touch, but a lack of execution from the side will cost them dearly against the Sharks.

Greg Growden writes: The Cheetahs are starting to get a bit erratic and haven't the class to counter the Sharks - the best of the South African mob.

Tips: Greg Growden: Sharks by 15 Brittany Mitchell: Sharks 14 Brett McKay Sharks by 15

Stormers v Lions, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 01:05 EST +1d, 00:35 CST +1d, 23:05 WST

Head to head: Played 19; Stormers 14, Lions 5

In Cape Town: Played 8; Stormers 6, Lions 2

Last clash: Round 16 2012, Stormers 27 - 17 Lions, DHL Newlands, Cape Town

Preview: The Lions were impressive last week as they remained in touch throughout the first half, with strong defence keeping the Sharks tryless. However poor discipline (14 penalties) gave the Sharks the edge with nine attempts at goal, while their attack floundered with 16 turnovers and a trip to Cape Town won't be helpful for the side.

The Stormers sat out last week with a bye and were disappointed the week before to go down 22-11 to the Waratahs at home. The side stayed in touch going into the second half with both sides scoring a try apiece, however the Stormers were slow going into the second half conceding 18 turnovers and 11 penalties and only scored three points. A week off should see a well rested side take the field and play a full 80-minutes.

Greg Growden writes: The Stormers can't score tries, have a reasonable defence, and are struggling big time. They are hoping on the Cape Town factor to get them home for a much needed win. If not, start preparing for 2015.

Tips: Greg Growden: Stormers by 8. Brittany Mitchel: Stormers by 4 Brett McKay: Stormers by 6