And it all comes down to this: a round to decide on the final make-up of the top 6!
As it stands, first-to-eight teams do not guarantee a final finishing position. All five games in the final round of this weekend have at least some relation to the ladder.
Read all the lineups, tips and injuries updates for Round 16.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, May 30th
Highlanders vs. Chiefs
Forsythbur Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm (aest)
Highlanders: Jacob Ragesphani-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Daniel Taimone, Tanbinson, Cam Millar, Taam Millar, Callar; Sean Wich, Afaan Lasaqa, Tai Dribo, Fabian Holland, Jay Taylor, Ethan de Grom (Cot-Capt). Alternatives: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Sam Gilbert, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
chief: Shaun Stevenson, Leael Carter, Daniel Rona, Quinan The Branian-Zamuro, Daman McKer, Xavier Roll; Wallace, Luke Jacobons (C), Reuben Ottay Thrustitt, lord of the sea. Alternatives: Samisoni Tauke’aho, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Manasa Mataele.
Official: Ben O’Keefe; Assistants: Marcus Placel, Jackson Henshaw. TMO;Glenn Newman
prediction: The Highlanders still have to kick themselves after disappointing a goal kick after a near miss with the Crusades last week. But Jamie Joseph’s men have shown in each of the last two weeks that they are hard-to-break nuts, and they love nothing more than ruining the Chiefs’ march towards the top seed for the playoffs. However, visitors were in a state of silence against Moana Pasifika last week, but it reached its peak at just the right time. Chiefs 7.
Top Fantasy Picks:
Odds (tab.com.au): Highlanders $5.20, +12.5 $1.90; Chiefs $1.14; -12.5 $1.85
Brumbies vs. Crusaders
Gio Stadium, Canberra, 7:35pm (AEST)
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Soli and Corey are also Noah candidates, Ryan Donner. Relaxed tapi hands, Rory Scott, Tab Hooper, Nick Frost, Dinley Pollard. Alternatives: Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys Van Nek, Lington Leli, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford
Crusades: Johnny McNicol, Chai Fihaki, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Seven Reese, Lives Leihanna, Noah Hotsum. Christian Rio Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackader, Antonio Scharhoun, Scott Barrett, Tamaite Williams, Cody Taylor and George Bauer. Alternatives: George Bell, Louis Ponini, Cebu Calder, Taler Cahill, Corey Kelow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor and Braden Enor.
Official: James Dollman; Assistants: Angus Mavey, Fraser Hannon. TMO: Richard Kelly
prediction: The clear game of the round is offered, at least considering that it offers a very important home ground advantage with third and second to the semi-finals. Brumbies will be something refreshed after goodbye, but without skipper Allan Alaalatoa. A week before that, they need to hold the Reds at just 14 points and make them miserable here once more. The Crusades were fighting the Highlanders last week, and they were lucky to hold on to it. However, they have a perfect record against Australian teams this season and will always show up in Canberra. Noah Laurentio is a big deal for Brunby. 3 by 3.
Top Fantasy Picks:
Odds: (tab.com.au) Brunbeads $1.85; -0.5 $1.90; Crusades $1.90; +0.5 $1.85
Saturday, May 31st
Blues vs. NSW Waratah
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm (aest)
Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele’a, Ioane, Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Toplot (Capt), Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusita’a. Alternatives: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, and Cole Forbes.
Watasu: Lawson Clayton, Andrew Keraway, Larakai Foquetty, Joy Walton, Triton Riley, Jack Bowen and Teddy Wilson. Langii Gleeson, Jamie Adamson, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Taniela Tupo, Dave Porkki, Angus Bell. Alternatives: Mow Vessulan, Tom Lambert, Daniel Bran, Ben Grant, Leuli Packet, Jack Grant, Tarby Lancaster
Official: Nick Berry; Assistants: Paul Williams, George Myers. TMO; Brett Cronan
prediction: For some reason, Waratah is still alive in 2025. Their super win at Perth extended the season to another week. NSW has not only one win in history, but one win from Super Rugby, not just one in full stops. They gave Jack Bowen a fly half shot this week. TaneEdmed is back on the bench. And Jake Gordon needs to refresh the blues after goodbye last week, and at least the paper should have too much firepower for the Waratahs. Blues by 23.
Top Fantasy Picks:
Odds (tab.com.au): Blues $1.04, -19.5 $1.90; Watts $9.00, +19.5 $1.85
Hurricane vs. Pacific
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5:05pm (aest)
Hurricane: Reuben Love, Bailin Sullivan, Billy Proctor (co-captain), Peter Umaga Jensen, Fehi Finn Ganofour, Brett Cameron, Cam Rogard, Peter Rakai, Dupulsis Kilifi (co-captain), Devan Flanders, Hugo Plummer, Zack Gallagher, Zack Gallagher, Zack Gallagher, Zack Gallagher, Zack Gallagher. Alternatives: Raymond type, Dark potion stone, Pasilio Toshi, Wil Tucker, Blood Shields, Eleaza, Joan Ruba, Tjay Clark.
Pacific: Kyxie leads the coast, leading Julin Sherim, Tamorick Pollegnine and Jonathan Reason. Semisi Tualots, Ardie Save (Capt), Siracle Distol, Tiracle Slade, Filenium Saaniva, Tilenuium. Alternatives: Samura Wright, Abraham Paul, British Craig, Menish, Jackson Garden Buck, Bucksa!
Official: Angus Gardner; Assistants: Matt Kerahan, Graham Cooper. TMO: Glenn Newman
prediction: The Hurricanes continue to be impressed later in the season, and last week’s victory over the Reds in Brisbane is another example of their ability to disrupt form guides during the playoffs. If they win this they will be fourth. You’ll also want to make a comeback to Moana Pacifica after being defeated at the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, Pacifica was closed by the Chiefs last week, so Aride Sabea was helpless. They need to move on quickly as the Maiden final verse beckons them. Sadly, the Hurricane appears to be traveling well now. Hurricanes up to age 12.
Top Fantasy Picks:
Odds (tab.com.au): Hurricane $1.20, -11.5$1.87; Pasifika $4.20, +11.5$1.87
Queensland Reds vs Physian and Rua
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm (aest)
red: Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Josh Floke, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Tom Lina, and 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, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Bryce, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin Phillips, Philippo Daugnu
Drua: Selesthnino Ravamada, Ponipate Loganamation, Iosefo, Isoseph, Summer Sauluvodre, Taniela Rakuro, Isaiah Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Philip Baseella; Cytione Salawa, Motiah Murray, Ettonia Waqa, Isora Nasilsilla, Mesake Vocevoce, Samuela, Tevita Ianiivere, and Haereiiti Hetet of Tawake. Alternatives: guriel togiatama, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Joseph Tamani, Elithavata, Simeone Kurusau, Simeone Kuruvoli, Inia Tabua, II Rabitu, Rabitu
Official: Damon Murphy; Assistants: Jordanway, Jeremy Markey. TMO: James Lecky
prediction: The poor seven minutes before halftime hurt Red so badly last week despite a brave second half fight. They only need one point to guarantee the fifth, but in the first week of the playoffs, you’ll want to rediscover the best either in New Zealand or Canberra, before a road trip. Drua has been a major disappointment this season, especially from his home, and their season took place two weeks ago. This should be a comfortable victory for Queensland. Red for ages 20.
Top Fantasy Picks:
Odds (tab.com.au): Reds $1.07, -16.5 $1.90; Drua $7.50, +16.5 $1.85
Injury zone
Brumby
Alan Arratini – Ankle, 2-3 weeks, Jack Debretzeni – Gro diameter, 3-4 weeks Ben O’Donnell – Hamstring operation, 3-4 weeks Charlie Kale – Lower hip injury, Timeline 4-5 weeks Tevita Alatini – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, Timeline TBC Blake Schoupp -8+
Blues
Leon Paul (shoulder), offa tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).
chief
Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, came back soon. Kaleb Trask, ankles, TBC; Liam Coomb’s innovation, knees, mid-term. Anton Linath Brown, collarbone, mid-term. Malaki ramp ring, hamstring, medium period. fiti sa, shoulders, long term; Rameka Poihipi, knees, seasons
Cross Army
Ethan Blackader (hamstring/TBC), Dongardiner (foot/TBC), Johnny Lee (calf/4 weeks), Luis Ponini (calf/4-6 weeks), Finlay Brews (shoulder/season), Will Jordan (knee, TBA), Scott Barrett, Fletcher New Lerrell
Physia and Rua
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre Knees, Short-term vilive Miramira – Knees, Short-term Elisadoroars – Wrist, Wrist, Short-term Epeli Momo – Long-term Frankromani – Shoulders, Long-term Calebmanz – Shoulders, Short-term Meriderenaragi – Long-term
Highlanders
Caleb Tangitau (gro diameter 1-2 weeks) Tanielle Terrea (hamstring 1-2 weeks) Jonah Nareki (knee 1-2 weeks) Nicola Broughton (knee MCL 4-6 weeks) Finn Harley (quad, season), Hayden Michaels (hamstring, hamstring, season) Ayay Faleferga (
Hurricane
Brett Cameron (knee, season) Devan Flanders (ankle, round 14) Harry Godfrey (lower limbs, round 15) Peter Umaga Jensen (shoulder, TBC)
pacific ocean
Moralshouse (shoulder) Concus (concus) Japan’s delivery (neck) Smoll policy (neck) Taceoloo Polight (FOEE).
NSW Waratas
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (fractured jaw) Max Jorgensen (Syndesmosis), Jimmy Hendren (broken wrist)
Queensland Reds
George Blake, Matt Fessler, Josh Froke, Matt Gibbon, Franky Goldsbrough, Will McCulloch, Lucan Saracaia Lotto, Sel Ul, Liam Wright
Western forces,
Violini Equasi (shoulder) Harry Johnson Holmes (knee, season) Harry Hoopport (knee, season) Tom Horton (head injury protocol) Dibud Pal (shoulder) Marley Pierce (shoulder) Dylan Pietici (quad) Matt Proctor (shoulder)
suspension
Blues: Mark Telea
Highlanders: Sean Wyth (Round 12)
All odds are correct at the time of publication.