I went down on the wire last week, but is it the same in Round 6?
Kick-off on Friday, Moana will be hosting the ladder-leading chief, the blues and crusaders faceoff in Auckland, with All Drua closing in with Perth, hosting the ladder-leading chief before Drua wins the Force.
Meanwhile, the injury ward continues to grow and read all the lineups, tips and injuries updates.
Good luck with your tips. Have you still got a chip-comp together? Don’t worry, you still have plenty of time, join ESPN’s footytips today!
Friday, March 21st
Pacific Museum vs. Chief
Navigation home stadium, Pukekohe, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Moana: William Calendar, Raza, Fillian, Badmi Polida, Tyratic Pamlink, Tyrak Pamorin, Tyranum Sanelori, Abrahoham Paul. exchange: Restouts, Tado Present, Chris Brigham, Michael Carry, Menna Leo, Tuai Left, Tuani
chief: Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Damian McKesney, Crime Jacobson, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, Slater, Jaden Oral, Jaden Oral, Alternatives: Samsy of Ankarot in the salsa field was discovered in Java.
Official: Marcus Pleil; Judgement assistants: Angus Mavey, Fraser Hannon. TMO: Shane McDermott
prediction: Moana counts the cost of a shock victory over a hurricane running across the side without inspirational leader Ardie Savea. It definitely takes a big blow to their hopes of defeating the Chief of Table Topping as visitors ring in the fresh front row for the challenge. The Chiefs are giving some star names a rest, but the modified side will make a statement against the injured Moana. Chiefs up to age 15
Top Fantasy Picks: It’s always difficult to see past Damien Mackenzie, but if you’re trying to strengthen your background, Samipeni Fina will earn you some points.
Odds (tab.com.au): Moana $5.20, +14.5$1.87; Chiefs $1.14, -14.5$1.87
Saturday, March 22nd
Highlanders vs Queensland Reds
Forsythbur Stadium, Dunedin, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Finn Harley, Caleb Tangitau, Taniela Terea, Thomas Umaga Jensen, Timosi Tabatavanawai, Tein Robinson, Nathan Hasty, Nicola Blogton, Venni Lassac, Sean White, Sean White, Mitch Dancia, TK Howden, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Alternatives: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, SEF.
red: Helemire Murray, Lachie Anderson, Philip Daugnu, Hunter Paisami, Tom Lynn, Karanai Thomas, Harry Wilson, John Bryant, Sel Ul, Angus Bryce, Josh Canham, Zane Nongo, Richie. Asianata, sef fa’agase. Alternatives: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo de Lutis, Lucan Saracaia Loto, Joe Brial, Louis Vercon, Harry McLaughlin Phillips, and Dore Pakejo.
Official: Damon Murphy; Assistant Referees: Matt Kerahan, Jeremy Markey. TMO: Brett Cronan
prediction: Behind the big victory over Australian rivals, the Reds head to Dunedin with their steps, knowing they have a great chance to beat their Kiwi rivals. Thomas Umaga-Jensen’s return bolsters the Highlanders’ backline and is far too Finn Hurley in full back, but Reds is stabbed on the back with the loss of Fraser McReight. This will be tight. Expect to go to the wire. 3 x 3.
Top Fantasy Picks: Thomas Umaga Jensen presents a strong option in the middle of his return.
Odds (tab.com.au): Highlanders $1.53, -3.5 $1.87; Reds $2.40, +3.5 $1.87
Blues vs. Cross
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Corey Evans, Jark John, Caleb Crazer, Samske Puzale, Angled Papulou, Angled Papulou, Angled Papalu, Angus Eklund, Joskuund, Joskuand. Alternatives: James Mulan, Jordan Ray, Marcel Renata, Raglan McHannell, Tristin Cook, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Crusades: Will Jordan, Seven Reese, Braydon Ennoll, David Habili, Mcca Springer, Taha Kemara, Kyle Preston, Christian Rio Willie, Tom Christie, Corey Kelow, Antonio Charhoun, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Cody Taylor, Tammity Williams. Alternatives: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Drummond, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua
Official: James Dollman; Assistant Referee: Mike Winter, -Fraser Hannon; TMO: Richard Kelly
prediction: This will be a big thing, and Borden Barrett is Stephen Perofetta’s first chance in the driver’s seat. This is a problematic season for the blues so far, and this is a real maker or break moment for Auckland men. Meanwhile, the Crusades have rolled hot in the Force last week with a big victory and a massive backline. Crusades are in 3.
Top Fantasy Picks: Big matches require big match players and Jordan is committed to bringing you lots of points.
Odds (tab.com.au): Blues $2, +1.5$1.85; Crusades $1.85, -1.5$1.90
Waratah vs Brunby
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Watasu: Andrew Keraway, Tristan Riley, Henry O’Donnell, Joey Walton, Max Jorgensen, Lawson Clayton, Teddy Wilson, Rangi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclair, Taniera Tupou, David Polki, Angus Bell. Alternatives: Mow Valalau, Isaal Gaitha, Felizo Club, Jamie Adamson, Jack Packet, Jack Grant, Horn Edged
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Thor, Noah Rulicio, Ryan Ronergan, Rob Valletini, Luke Raymer, Tom Hooper, Kadie Neville, Nick Frost, Alan Arratore, Billy Pillard, James Slipper. Alternatives: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuiaka, Lachie Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Austin Anderson
Official: Ben O’Keefe; Assistant Referee: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw; TMO: Glenn Newman
prediction: Last week, when they bumped into the Reds and without Joseph Sully Axo, the Tars opposed it and showed that given this year’s unbeaten run in Sydney, they could find a way to hold back a winless victory at home. After a strong victory over Drua last week, Brumbies has given a timely boost to Rob Valetini’s major derby clash. Warat is 2.
Top Fantasy Picks: In his first match of the season, Rob Barrecini promises to bring enough to the pitch.
Odds (tab.com.au): Waratas $2.30, +3.5$1.90; Brumbies $1.58, -3.5$1.85
Sunday, March 23rd
Western Force vs. Physian Rua
HBF Park, Perth5:05pm (AEDT)
force: Mac Greeley, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietchu, Ben Donaldson, Nick White, Nick Champion de Cresmai, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nick Dolly, and Ryan Coxon. Alternatives: Tom Horton, Marley Pierce, Atu Mori, Violini Equasi, Reed Princep, Isaac Finalwasa, Max Buly and Rayjan Pasitoa.
Drua: Ilaisa Drosese, Ponipate Loganimasi, Iosefo Masi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Taniela Rakuro, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli, Meli Deerenalagi, Elia Canakaivaata, Etonia Waqa, Etonia Waqa, Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Tevita Ikanivere, Livai Nature. Alternatives: Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereti Hett, Message Doge, Vilive Miramera, Gideon, Publish, Isiaah Armst-Rarale, Isitalevu
Official:
prediction: Nick Berry; Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jordan Kaminski. TMO: James Lecky
Top Fantasy Picks:
Odds (tab.com.au): Forced $1.55, -3.5$1.87; Drua $2.35, +3.5$1.87
Injury zone
Brumby
Ben O’Donnell (Hamstring/TBC), Tevita Alatini (ACL/TBC), Harry Vella (ACL/TBC), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Illness, TBC), David Feliuai (Concussion/Round 7), Charlie Cale (Lower Back Curie/TBC)
Blues
PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Ben Ake (shoulder), Beauden Barrett (Hand), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ricky Riccitelli (Chest), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (ofcussion), anton segner (segner),
chief
Simon Parker (knee, short term), Anton Linert Brown (legs, short term), Josh Lord (knee, mid term), Lameka Poipi (knee, season), Caleb Trask (hamstring, mid term), Eton Nanai Setulo (hunstring, long term), Liam Coves Frain, Fottebring (hunstring, long term), Wallace Cititi (knee, long term), te toiroa tahuriorangi (shoulder, short term)
Cross Army
Dom Gardiner (Hamstring/2 Weeks), Johnny McNicholl (Hamstring/2-4 Week), Ethan Blackadder (Quad/TBC), Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Knee/3 Week), George Bell (Foot/Season), Braydon Ennoll (Hamstring/TBC), Finlay Brewis (searth/Season)
Physia and Rua
Saratin Rabangamada (hia), save (knee)
Highlanders
Oliver Heig (foot / 3 weeks), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks), Cameron Miller (concussion / 1-2 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitabki Nipkens (neck / 3-4 weeks), Forau Whakatava (hamstring / 1-2 weeks), Hugh Renton (gloin / 1-2 weeks)
Hurricane
Zach Gallagher (Achilles/TBC), Daniel Sinkinson (hamstring/round 8), Lucas Cashmore (knee/round 7), Brett Cameron (knee/season), Asafo Aumua (foot/TBC), Tyrell Romax (ankle/round 5), Devan Flanders (ankle/round 9)/round 7), Billy Proctor (Achilles/TBC)
pacific ocean
Ardie Savea (Hamstring), James Lay (Elboan), Hanel), Dune Malao (Snone Dilable (Shande), Solomon Policy (Shourdle)
NSW Waratas
Jake Gordon (medial ligament), Joseph Oucho Souri (toe), Larakai Foquetty (gro diameter), Fergus Lee Warner (foot), Lucas Rich (shoulder)
Western squad
Harry Johnson Holmes (knee), Bailey Quenzle (knee), Harry Hoopot (knee), Dibud Pal (shoulder), Matt Proctor (shoulder), Papillon Sever (knee)
Queensland Reds
Jock Campbell, Matt Fessler, Josh Froke, Matt Gibbon, Franky Goldsbrow, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCullock, Fraser McWright, Josh Nassell, Liam Wright
suspension
Drua: Motikiai Murray (Round 9)
Blues: Hoskins Sotutu (Round 6)
All odds are correct at the time of publication.