Every game matters heading into the final round of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific, with all positions up for grabs.
Friday's double-header will decide the minor premiership as the Chiefs look to lock it up against the Highlanders, before the ACT Brumbies and Crusaders battle for a top two spot.
Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Saturday begins with a finals eliminator between the Blues and NSW Waratahs, whilst the Hurricanes can end Moana Pasifika's finals dreams with a win.
The regular season concludes in Queensland as the Reds take on the Fijian Drua.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Tai Cribb, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Taniela Filimore, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele'a, Jonah Lowe, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Sam Gilbert, Thomas Umaga-Jensen
- Cam Millar starts at ten after a foot injury to Taine Robinson.
- Tai Cribb retains his spot in the starting second row after Mitch Dunshea’s late injury last weekend.
- Sam Gilbert comes onto the bench in his final appearance for the club before heading to Connacht.
CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater, Reuben O'Neill, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Leroy Carter, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Manasa Mataele
- The Chiefs have rotated their front-row, with Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater and Reuben O’Neill all starting.
- Xavier Roe has been elevated into the starting side, swapping with Cortez Ratima.
- Etene Nanai-Seturo is a massive boost heading into the finals, named for the first time since Round One.
- The Chiefs have won their last six against the Highlanders, with a seventh win equalling their longest winning run against the Highlanders in Super Rugby history.
- The Highlanders have won just one of their last five matches at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
- The Chiefs have alternated wins and losses in their last 11 games away from FMG Stadium; they’re coming off a win against the Crusaders.
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens v Shaun Stevenson
Both fullbacks have been in red-hot form to finish the season and loom as the danger men for their respective sides.
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens re-signed with the Highlanders during the week and will be eager to repay the faith shown early by the club with an upset win to avoid the wooden spoon.
As for Stevenson, the minor premiership is on his mind, eager to end his time with the club with some silverware.
Chiefs by 14
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Feao Fotuaika, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
- Noah Lolesio is back after his nasty accident to start at flyhalf.
- Feao Fotuaika replaces the injured Allan Alaalatoa (calf) in the front-row.
- Tuaina Taii Tualima starts at number eight, pushing Tom Hooper in the second row.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor (c), Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: George Bell, Lewis Ponini, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Braydon Ennor
- Ethan Blackadder returns in the back-row for his 50th game for the Crusaders.
- Codie Taylor takes the captaincy from David Havili, who is replaced by Levi Aumua.
- Noah Hotham re-gains the starting nine jersey after he missed last week’s win over the Highlanders.
- The ACT Brumbies are hunting for consecutive wins over the Crusaders for the first time since 2004/05
- The Brumbies have won their last three matches after keeping their opposition to 20 points or less.
- The Crusaders have won their last five away from home, conceding just 4.8 points per game in first halves.
Noah Lolesio v Rivez Reihana
Lolesio is back earlier than expected, providing a massive boost for the ACT Brumbies' top two hopes.
He will need to get on top of Reihana if the Brumbies are to secure a crucial home final.
Reihana has stepped up after the long-term injury to Taha Kemara and will be out to make a statement against the Wallabies incumbent.
Brumbies by 2
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele'a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
- Mark Tele’a is back from suspension and lines up on the wing.
- AJ Lam shifts into the centres to partner Rieko Ioane.
- Anton Segner returns to the back-row for his first start in close to a month.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair (c), Jamie Adamson, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Henry O'Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Lawson Creighton
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Ben Grant, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Darby Lancaster
- Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen form a new look halves partnership after Jake Gordon’s hamstring injury.
- Henry O’Donnell replaces Lalakai Foketi (shoulder) in the centres.
- Hugh Sinclair captains the side in the back-row and is joined by Jamie Adamson.
- The Blues have won their last 10 matches against the Waratahs, with an 11th breaking their club record for most consecutive wins over an opposition.
- This includes eight consecutive wins at Eden Park, with the Blues scoring 40+ points in their last three matches.
- The Waratahs have won two games against NZ opposition, with a third equalling their best record against Kiwi sides which was achieved in 2015.
Hoskins Sotutu v Langi Gleeson
The battle of the forwards comes down to Sotutu and Gleeson and which forward can dominate the advantage line.
Both are in red-hot form, with Sotutu scoring in defeat against Moana Pasifika in his last game.
Meanwhile, Gleeson has been one of the best in the competition and needs another big game to keep his Waratahs career going another week.
Blues by 8
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallagher, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor (co-c), Bailyn Sullivan, Ruben Love
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields (co-c), Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, Tjay Clarke
- Jacob Devery, Hugo Plummer and Devan Flanders will start in the forwards
- Bailyn Sullivan is back on the wing, with Ruben Love moving to fullback after Brett Cameron’s return to the starting side.
- Tjay Clarke is set to make his debut from the bench
PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Tevita Ofa
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Lotu Inisi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Pepesana Patafilo
- Julian Savea starts at inside centre against his old side.
- Lotu Inisi and Pepesana Patafilo return to the side via the bench
- Moana Pasifika are aiming for consecutive wins over the Hurricanes for the first time in Super Rugby history.
- The Hurricanes average 52 points per game against Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium.
- Moana Pasifika have two of their last three games against conceding 50+ points the week before.
Ardie Savea v Peter Lakai
Two of the best back-rowers going head-to-head as Savea returns to Wellington for the first time.
Savea was fired up for the meeting against his old side earlier in the year and it'll be a similar case with their finals hopes on the line.
Once again, it's up to Lakai and the Hurricanes' back-rowers to limit his influence and dictate the contest.
Hurricanes by 10
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu
- Josh Flook makes his long-awaited return from injury in the centres.
- Tim Ryan has been elevated from the bench to the starting wing.
- Filipo Daugunu will come off the bench.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Kitione Salawa, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Selestino Ravutaumada
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakiavata, Simione Kuruvoli, Inia Tabuavou, Isikeli Rabitu
- Motikiai Murray is back from injury and has been named in the back-row.
- Tevita Ikanivere and Isoa Nasilasila will become the first Drua players to bring up 50 games for the club.
- The Fijian Drua have won their last three games against the Queensland Reds, with a fourth setting the club record for most consecutive wins over an opposition.
- The Queensland Reds have trailed just three times in their last ten matches at half-time.
- The Fijian Drua have lost their last 22 matches outside of Fiji by an average of 21.4 points.
Richie Asiata v Tevita Ikanivere
It'll be a big occasion for both hookers as they look to guide their teams home.
Asiata has limited oppportunities to press his case for higher honours in 2025, with the hooker emerging as a breakout star for the Reds.
Meanwhile, Ikanivere makes history alongside Isoa Nasilasila and will want to celebrate the moment with victory.
Reds by 6
