Friday, June 5

Hurricanes v Highlanders, McLean Park, Napier

Head-to-head: Played 24, Hurricanes 13, Highlanders 11

In Napier: Played 1, Hurricanes 1, Highlanders 0

Last clash: Round 6, 2015 - Highlanders 13-20 Hurricanes, Dunedin

Key Stats

• The Hurricanes boast the best scrum success rate (96%) this year but the Highlanders average the most scrums won on their own feed (7.8).
• The Highlanders rank second (27.6) and Hurricanes third (27.2) for points per game this year, and the past two fixtures between these sides have seen 34 and 33 points scored respectively. The previous four averaged 62.
• The Highlanders are aiming for four consecutive victories for the first time since the first four rounds of the 2012 season, and the away team has won 11 of the past 15 games between these sides.

Line-ups

• Hurricanes: James Marshall; Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith (captain), Rey Lee-Lo, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson; James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush; Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes. Replacements (from): Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Chris Smylie, Cory Jane, Willis Halaholo.
• Highlanders: Marty Banks; Waisake Naholo, Jason Emery, Richard Buckman, Ryan Tongia; Lima Sopoaga, Fumiaki Tanaka; Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Gareth Evans; Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley; Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon (captain), Brendon Edmonds. Replacements: Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, Joe Latta, Dan Pryor, Scott Eade, Shaun Treeby, Kurt Baker.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Hurricanes: None
• Highlanders: Aaron Smith (Rested, Round 18), Ben Smith (Rested, Round 18), Malakai Fekitoa (Rested, Round 18)

Team News

• Declared fit earlier in the week, star first-five Beauden Barrett has come straight into the starting side after overcoming a knee injury. There will be no Ma'a Nonu one spot wider however, the inside-centre taking a rest after a mixed outing against the Crusaders. Nonu's spot has been taken by the versatile Rey Lee-Lo while All Blacks Victor Vito and Ben Franks return to the starting side at No.8 and tighthead, respectively.
• Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph revealed earlier this week he would be resting his star All Blacks trio against the Hurricanes with Fumiaki Tanaka , Jason Emery and Marty Banks coming in for Aaron Smith, Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Smith. Ash Dixon, Elliot Dixon and Gareth Evans have all been handed starts in the pack.

Greg Growden's Verdict: As the Hurricanes are so many points ahead in the New Zealand conference, they can slacken off. Luckily for them, the Highlanders, due to All Blacks demands, are resting players.

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

Force v Brumbies, Perth Oval, Perth

Head-to-head: Played 14, Force 4, Brumbies 9, Drawn 1

In Perth: Played 7, Force 2, Brumbies 4, Drawn 1

Last clash: Round 4, 2015 - Brumbies 27-15 Force, Canberra

Key Stats

• The Force have won only one of their past eight against the Brumbies, drawing once and losing six.
• The Force have scored the fewest points this season (212) while the Brumbies have conceded the fewest (204).
• The Brumbies (2) and Force (3) have scored the fewest number of tries when starting out with the ball within their own half in 2015.

Line-ups

• Force: Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Marcel Brache, Kyle Godwin, Nick Cummins; Zack Holmes, Alby Mathewson; Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson (captain), Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman, Sam Wykes; Guy Millar, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Tetera Faulkner, Steve Mafi, Kane Koteka, Ryan Louwrens, Luke Burton, Patrick Dellit
• Brumbies: Jesse Mogg; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Robbie Coleman, Joe Tomane; Christian Lealiifano, Nic White; Ita Vaea, David Pocock, Scott Fardy; Blake Enever, Rory Arnold; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore (c), Scott Sio. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Jarrad Butler, Michael Dowsett, Nigel Ah Wong, James Dargaville.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Force: Francois van Wyk (Torn Pectoral, Season)
• Brumbies: Fotu Auelua (Undisclosed, TBC), Sam Carter (Medial, Season), Sean Doyle (Undisclosed, TBC), Lausii Taliauli (Undisclosed, TBC), Matt Toomua (Ankle, TBC)

Team News

• Sam Wykes returns to the Force's starting XV to play his final match at nib Stadium, packing behind first-time run-on prop Guy Millar. Alby Mathewson and Zack Holmes also return in the halves.

• The Brumbies have made just one change to the side that defeated the Bulls last week with Blake Enever replacing the injured Sam Carter at lock. Carter will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery while Matt Toomua is still to recover from an ankle injury.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The ultra negativity of the Force can make any opponent look good; even the Reds. Next, the Brumbies will be feeling good about themselves.

Tips - Greg Growden: Brumbies by 15 Sam Bruce: Brumbies Brett McKay: Brumbies Brittany Mitchell: Brumbies Andy Withers: Brumbies

Saturday, June 6

Rebels v Bulls, AAMI Park, Melbourne

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

In Melbourne: Played 1, Rebels 0, Bulls 1

Last clash: Round 19, 2014 - Bulls 40-7 Rebels, Pretoria

Key Stats

• The Bulls have won all three games between the sides, posting more than 40 points in each. The teams have combined for 180 points in their meetings, with 76 points scored - 59 before half-time - when they last played in Melbourne.
• Just three sides have a better lineout success rate than the Bulls (89%) this year, while the Rebels languish last (78%) in this regard.
• The teams have each conceded eight tries from the opposition half, and 11 from between halfway and their own 22. But the Rebels have conceded almost twice as many (20) as the Bulls (11) when their opponents start with the ball inside their 22.

Line-ups

• Rebels: Mike Harris; Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman , Cam Crawford; Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham (captain), Colby Fainga'a, Sean McMahon; Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones; Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith Replacements: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Tim Metcher, Sam Jeffries, Jordy Reid, Ben Meehan, Bryce Hegarty, Tom English
• Bulls: Jesse Kriel; Francois Hougaard, JJ Engelbrecht, Burger Odendaal, Travis Ismaiel; Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Rudy Paige; Pierre Spies (captain), Jacques Du Plessis, Pieter Labuschagne; Victor Matfield, Flip van der Merwe; Marcel Van Der Merwe, Callie Visagie, Dean Greyling Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Trevor Nyakane, Grant Hattingh, Arno Botha, Tian Schoeman, Bjorn Basson, Jurgen Visser, Werner Kruger

Injuries/Unavailable

• Rebels: Tim Metcher (Knee, TBC)
• Bulls: Carlo Englebrecht (Ankle, Round 17), Duncan Mathews (Knee, Season), Ryan Nell (Knee, Season), Pierre Schoeman (Knee, Season), Jan Serfontein (Knee, Indefinite), Ruan Steenkamp (Knee, Season) Piet van Zyl (Knee, Season)

Team News

• Paul Alo-Emile is named to become just the sixth player to win 50 Rebels caps, after his inclusion among four changes to the starting line-up. Cam Crawford makes his first start, while Tamati Ellison returns from groin injury and Nic Stirzaker starts after coming off the bench last week. Sam Jeffries, Ben Meehan and Tim Metcher are all included on the bench
• Bulls stars Handre Pollard and Adriaan Strauss have been rested as per South Africa Rugby's agreement with the franchises, with Frans Ludeke making seven changes to his starting team. Jacques-Louis Potgieter replaces Pollard at fly-half and Callie Visagie starts at hooker. Ludeke has rested Jurgen Visser and Bjorn Basson, replacing them with Jesse Kriel and Travis Ismaiel, while Lappies Labuschagne replaces injured Deon Stegmann in the back-row, Grant Hattingh makes way for Victor Matfield, and Jacques du Plessis swaps with Arno Botha

Greg Growden's Verdict: If only the Rebels had two or three more quality players; they could be anything. But they make full use of what they've got, and good on them.

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

Blues v Crusaders, Eden Park, Auckland

Head-to-head: Played 26, Blues 11, Crusaders 15

In Auckland : Played 13, Blues 8, Crusaders 5

Last clash: Round 11, 2015 - Crusaders 29-15 Blues, Christchurch

Key Stats

• The Blues are aiming to win three home games in a row against the Crusaders, a feat they have managed just once in a run that included a home final win against their New Zealand rivals (2001-2003).
• Two of the past three meetings between these sides have seen the side leading at half-time go on to lose the game.
• The Blues have scored the fewest opening-quarter tries (2) while the Crusaders have scored the second-most in the same timeframe (12). The Crusaders lead the way for tries scored (48), while the Blues sit second-last (27).

Line-ups

• Blues: Matt Vaega; Ben Lam, Hamish Northcott, George Moala, Melani Nanai; Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan; Airi Hunt, Brendon O'Connor, Joe Edwards; Josh Bekhuis, Will Lloyd; Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Parsons (captain), Sam Prattley. Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Hayden Triggs, Chris Vui, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Matt McGahan.
• Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Robbie Fruean, David Havili, Nemani Nadolo, Dan Carter, Mitchell Drummond; Jordan Taufua, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd; Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Ryan Crotty, Kieron Fonotia.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Blues: Luke Braid (Concussion, TBC), Jerome Kaino (Finger, Season), Steven Luatua (Shoulder, Season), Hamish Northcott (Hamstring, TBC), Charles Piutau (Knee, Season), Patrick Tuipolotu (Hip, Season)
• Crusaders: Ryan Crotty (Concussion, TBC), Israel Dagg (Calf, Season), Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, TBC), Joe Moody (Foot, TBC), Tim Perry (Achilles, TBC), Kieran Read (Concussion, TBC), Colin Slade (Quadriceps, Round 18), Sam Whitelock (Concussion, TBC)

Team News

• The Blues have been hammered by injury throughout 2015 and they are also without a host of Under 20 stars for this week's clash with the Crusaders. Hooker James Parsons will captain a hugely inexperienced side with lock Will Lloyd, flanker Joe Edwards and full-back Matt Vaega all making their first starts; Airi Hunt will debut at No 8.
• The Crusaders are fielding the same backline that enjoyed such great success against the ladder-leading Hurricanes but there are some new faces in the pack. Prop Wyatt Crockett hooker Codie Taylor and lock Dominic Burke have all been handed starts while All Blacks Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty return on the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: No wonder the Crusaders are furious about losing to the Waratahs recently - as they have regained form with a slight sniff of a finals spot. That sniff will be stronger after this lopsided affair

Tips - Greg Growden: Crusaders by 17 Sam Bruce: Crusaders Brett McKay: Crusaders Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders Andy Withers: Crusaders

Reds v Chiefs, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Head-to-head: Played 18, Reds 10, Chiefs 8

In Brisbane: Played 8, Reds 5, Chiefs 3

Last clash: Round 9, 2013 - Chiefs 23-31 Reds, Hamilton

Key Stats

• The Reds have won four straight against the Chiefs, who had won the previous four fixtures between the teams. Three of those Reds victories were by more than a converted try. Fixtures between the sides in Queensland have averaged 56 points, with the most recent two averaging 73'
• The Chiefs' have lost three of their past four games, their worst form of the season.
• The Reds have conceded twice as many last-quarter tries (14) than the Chiefs (7).

Line-ups

• Reds: James O'Connor; Chris Feauai-Sautia, Karmichael Hunt, Samu Kerevi, Lachie Turner; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson; James Horwill, Rob Simmons; Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper. Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Pettowa Paraka, Sam Talakai, Ed O'Donoghue, Beau Robinson, Hendrik Rui, Nick Frisby, Ben Tapuai, Jake McIntyre.
• Chiefs Tom Marshall; Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Andrew Horrell, Tim Nanai-Williams; Marty McKenzie, Augustine Pulu; Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (captain); Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald; Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu, Jarrod Firth, Matt Symons, Maama Vaipulu, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown

Injuries/Unavailable

• Reds: Curtis Browning (Knee, TBC), Ben Daley (Shoulder, TBC), Eddie Quirk (Knee, TBC)
• Chiefs: Michael Allardice (Knee, Season), Johan Bardoul (Knee, Season), Aaron Cruden (Knee, Season), Nathan Harris (Ankle, TBC), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Knee, Season), Tevita Koloamatangi (Ankle, Season), Liam Messam (Shoulder, TBC), Brodie Retallick (Shoulder, TBC)

Team News

• Reds coach Richard Graham has retained the same starting side that thumped the Force in Perth at the weekend while Saia Fainga'a has recovered from a rib injury to be included on the bench. Saturday's match will be the last in a Reds jersey at home for Will Genia and James Horwill, providing added motivation for an upset victory.
• All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam return from injury to bolster the Chiefs pack, with Mitchell Graham and Siate Tokolahi including in the front-row after the shellacking by the Highlanders. Augustine Pulu play his 50th match in Chiefs colours at half-back while Tim Nanai-Williams starts on the left wing with Andrew Horrell joining Charlie Ngatai in the midfield. Bryce Heem moves to the right wing and Tom Marshall returns at fullback. The bench gets a makeover with Pauliasi Manu, Jarrod Firth, Matt Symons, Maama Vaipulu, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown all joining the reserves.

Greg Growden's Verdict: After a two-month break, Quade Cooper immediately transformed the Reds. But the Chiefs are at least twice the team the Force are - even with their many injuries - and life this time around will be tougher for the Reds.

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

Cheetahs v Waratahs, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Head-to-head: Played 8, Cheetahs 4, Waratahs 4

In Bloemfontein: Played 3, Cheetahs 1, Waratahs 1

Last clash: Round 5, 2013 - Waratahs 26-27 Cheetahs, Sydney

Key Stats

• The Cheetahs have won just two of their past 12 matches, while the Waratahs have not lost twice in a row since May 2013.
• The Cheetahs average the fewest defenders beaten (12.8) this season; the Waratahs average the second most (22.4).
• The Cheetahs are the only side yet to score a try from a scrum this season.

Line-ups

• Cheetahs: Coenie van Wyk; Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter, Ryno Benjamin, Cornal Hendriks; Niel Marais, Sarel Pretorius; Niell Jordaan, Tienie Burger, Boom Prinsloo, Francois Uys, Carl Wegner, Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, BG Uys. Replacements: Elandre Huggett, Dienie Mienie, Ewald vd Westhuizen, Steven Sykes, Gerhard Olivier, Henco Venter, Shaun Venter, Willie le Roux.
• Waratahs: Israel Folau; Taqele Naiyaravoro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Matt Carraro; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Jacques Potgieter; Dave Dennis, Mitchell Chapman; Sekope Kepu, Hugh Roach, Benn Robinson Replacements: Dave Porecki, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Stephen Hoiles, Dean Mumm Patrick McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Peter Betham, Jack Dempsey, Jono Lance.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Cheetahs: Heinrich Brussow (Arm, Season), Armandt Koster (Back, TBC), Oupa Mohoje (Groin, Round 18), Willem Serfontein (Knee, TBC), Elgar Watts (Knee, TBC)
• Waratahs: Will Skelton (Suspended, Round 18), Tolu Latu (Suspended, Semi-Final), Rob Horne (Suspended, Semi-Final), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Concussion, Round 18)

Team News

• The Cheetahs have made no less than seven changes as they seek to salvage some pride for what has been an otherwise awful season. The biggest inclusions come at half-back and on the left wing with Sarel Pretorius and Cornal Hendricks slotting in, respectively.
• NSW Waratahs have been forced into just one change with Matt Carraro coming onto the left wing to replace the suspended Rob Horne. After coming off the bench against the Lions last week, back-rower Jacques Potgieter returns to the starting line-up at the expense of Stephen Hoiles.

Greg Growden's Verdict: As long as the Waratahs forget to take their angry pills before this game, they are specials. A few days in weird and wacky Bloemfontein should subdue them.

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

Stormers v Lions, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

Head-to-head: Played 20, Stormers 15, Lions 5

In Cape Town: Played 9, Stormers 7, Lions 2

Last clash: Round 3, 2015 - Lions 19-22 Stormers, Johannesburg

Key Stats

• The Stormers have won 11 of 12 against the Lions, suffering their sole defeat in 2014.
• The Stormers (8.8) and Lions (9.8) are two of just three sides to average fewer than 10 penalties conceded this year.
• When it comes to tries scored from set-pieces (lineouts and scrums) with the feed, only the Bulls (14) and Lions (14) rank behind the Stormers (16).

Line-ups

• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Dillyn Leyds, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Seabelo Senatla; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Duane Vermeulen (captain), Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger; Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff Replacements: Michael Willemse, Oli Kebble, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Jaco Taute
• Lions: Andries Coetzee; Ruan Combrinck, Harold Vorster, Alwyn Hollenbach, Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel; Franco Mostert, Martin Muller; Julian Redelinghuys, Armand van der Merwe, Schalk van der Merwe Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Robert Kruger, Kwagga Smith, Dillon Smit, Marnitz Boshoff, Howard Mnisi.

  Injuries/Unavailable

  • Stormers: Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, Season), Scarra Ntubeni (TBC), Michael Rhodes (Hamstring, Round 18)
  • Lions: Stephen de Wit (Shoulder, TBC), Stokkies Hanekom (Knee, TBC), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Ankle, TBC), Lionel Mapoe (Knee, TBC), Derrick Minnie (Knee, Season)

  Team News

  • Schalk Burger returns for the Stormers after his South African Rugby-mandated rest, with Nizaam Carr dropping to the bench and Sikhumbuzo Notshe, a try-scorer off the pine against the Cheetahs last weekend, missing out altogether. Bongi Mbonambi replaces injured hooker Scarra Ntubeni and tight-head prop Frans Malherbe rotates in to replace Vincent Koch. Koch drops down to the bench, where he is joined Western Province Vodacom Cup hooker Michael Willemse and utility back Jaco Taute.
  • Johan Ackermann has made two changes to the Lions squad, with Alwyn Hollenbach starting at inside centre after Lionel Mapoe failed a late knee test. Howard Mnisi replaces Stokkies Hanekom on the bench. Hanekom also has a minor knee injury.

  Greg Growden's Verdict: The Lions are a handy team, but the Stormers always fire up against them on home territory.

  Tips - Greg Growden: Stormers by 7 Sam Bruce: Stormers Brett McKay: Stormers Brittany Mitchell: Stormers Andy Withers: Lions

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