Welcome to the postseason.
After 16 weeks of sparkling rugby, Super Rugby Pacific reduced the field to just six.
The qualifying finals will feature games in Christchurch, Hamilton and Canberra.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, June 6th
Crusades vs. Queensland Reds
Apollo Project Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (aest)
Crusades: Jordan, Chai Fihaki, Braydon Ennoll, David Havili (captain), Cebu Reese, Rives Reihana and Noah Hotsham. Christian Rio Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackader, Antonio Charhoun, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Cody Taylor, Tamaite Williams. Alternatives: George Bell, George Bauer, Kersholl Sykes Martin, Taller Cahill, Karen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor and Dallas McCleod.
Reds: Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Josh Flok, Hunter Paisami, Philip Daugnu, Tom Lina, Tate McDermott. Harry Wilson, Fraser McWright, Joe Brial, Ryan Smith, Josh Canham, Zane Nongo, Richie Asiata, and Seph Faagaze. Alternatives: Josh Nasser, Jeffrey Thomaga Allen, Joe Bloomfield, Angus Bryce, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Drepakaho, Tim Ryan.
Official: Paul Williams; Assistants: Angus Mavey, Mike Winter. TMO; Richard Kelly
prediction: The Crusades stole a second spot from Brunby, the death of last week. That means they’ll play at home again next week if they win this. They certainly put the Reds on the sword at Christchurch earlier this year, but Queensland should have learned a lot from that game. Still, the return of Will Jordan and David Habili only adds to the threat of the Crusades. Crusades 10.
Odds (tab.com.au): Crusades $1.15, -13.5 $1.95; Red $5.20; +13.5 $1.85
Saturday, June 7th
Chief and Blues
FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5:05pm (aest)
chief: Steven Steventh, More of the Cross, Daniel Rona, The Wrampling Gideon, Carter Carter, McKenzie, The Ratima; Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (C), Simirez of Punau, Vaaai, Knight a Cooi, George Dyer, Takeo, and Rosson. Alternatives: Brody Macaliester, Ollie Nare O, Josh Lord, Jarrer Law, Josie Robb, Josh Jolcombe, and Soulas.
Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele’a, Ioane, Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Adrian Choat, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Toplot (C), Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusita’a. Alternatives: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, and Cole Forbes.
Official: Angus Gardner; Assistants: Damon Murphy, Matt Kerahan. TMO: James Lecky
prediction: The Blues finished the regular season in style, but there was a warning that it was against low waratas. This is a strong step up against the Chiefs, who were clearly the best teams of the year, with the exception of a few hiccups in Fiji, Sydney and Wellington. Bruce needs to rediscover punches and physicality ahead of time when he gets the chance, but he feels Clayton MacMillan’s side is going so well that he can’t slip here. Chiefs 14.
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Odds (tab.com.au): Chiefs $1.30, -8.5$1.90; Blues $3.40, +8.5$1.90
Brumby vs. Hurricane
Gio Stadium, Canberra, 7.35pm (aest)
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Soli and Corey are also Noah candidates, Ryan Donner. Leatapi, Rory Scott, Rob Hooper, Nick Frost, Alan Pauley, James Swellard, James Swellard. Alternatives: Lachemn Lonergan, Lington Level, Lakelaka Shaw, Lucrean Gerdhor, Decrason Gowdith, Declin Serdith.
Hurricane: Reuben Love, Bailin Sullivan, Billy Proctor (co-captain), Peter Umaga Jensen, Fatafehi Finganofour, Brett Cameron and Cam Rogard. Peter Rakai, Dupulsis Kilifi (co-captain), Devan Flanders, Caleb Delaney, Zach Gallagher, Tyrell Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-captain), Xavier Nomua. Alternatives: Raymond Gross, David Mafileo, Passilo Toss, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields (co-captain), Eleata Enali, Punibai End, and Calm Harkin.
Official: Nick Berry; Assistants: Jordanway, Jeremy Markey. TMO: Brett Cronan
prediction: This was a weekend game and the Hurricanes returned to their fantastic victory scene just a few weeks ago. The Brumbies lacked the physical edge they needed that night and did so again last week for 40 minutes with a timely wake-up call for the final. The host is boosted by the return of skipper Alan Ararathoa. This should generally be very useful in both play and set pieces. Still, this is a real coin toss. 3 by 3.
Odds (tab.com.au): Brumbies $1.80, -1.5$1.90; Hurricane $2.00, +11.5$1.90