As we approach the halfway point of the competition, yes, already! – The table is starting to take shape with all four Australian teams in the top six! But does it stay that way?
Waratah crosses the groove to take on the hurricane for the first time this season, and Brunby faces his own Kiwi rival with the Highlanders. The Reds hold their strength to close the round.
Meanwhile, the injured ward continues to grow. Read all lineups, tips and injuries updates.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, March 28th
Hurricane vs. Warat
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Hurricane: Reverse Robb, Pere Umaga Jensen, Hope Hawhey, Riley Hawhey, Ducal, Ducan, Dude Delabh, Numaia. Alternatives: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rake-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Laawre, Brad Shields, Jordi Vilijoen, Fatafehi Finenganofo, Kade Banks.
Watasu: Max Jorgensen, Derby Lancaster, Joseph Oakso Suay, Joey Walton, Archie Sanders, Lawson Clayton, Teddy Wilson, Rangi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Miles Amatocero, Ben Grant, Taniera Tupoo, Julian, Angus Bell. Alternatives: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kill, Daniel Bee, Felix Carr Andom, Jackson, Jacks A.Jacks
Official: Damon Murphy; Assistant Referees: Marcus Prayle, Jeremy Markey. TMO: Brett Cronan
prediction: Waratah hasn’t crossed the ditch yet this year, and the only loss of the season is on the road. Meanwhile, the Hurricane won just two games in five games, with one loss greatly upset by Moana Pacifica. As Suaalii returns to Waratha and Brunby, breaking the recent drought, they head to Wellington and are ready to end their seven-game winning streak against the Hurricane. Warm up every five years.
Top Fantasy Picks: He hasn’t stepped onto the pitch since round one, but Joseph Oakso Suaari will definitely score you big points.
Odds (tab.com.au): Hurricane $1.26, -9.5$1.85; Waratus $3.60, +9.5$1.90
Brumbies vs. Highlanders
Gio Stadium, Canberra 7:35pm AEDT
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feruyi, Corey Toll, Noah Rulicio, Harrison Goddard, Rob Valletini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Alan Arratore, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Alternatives: Liam Bowron, Blake Schop, Rhys Van, Cadyern Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debrecen, Ollie Sapsford
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Caleb Tangitau, Thomas Umaga Jensen, Timosi Tabatavanawai (C), Jonah Nareki, Tein Robinson, Nathan Hasty, Sean, Venni Rasaka, TK Dunaka, TK Dunaqaaqaaqaaqaaqaaqaaqaaqaqaaqaqaaqaqaaqaqaaqaqaaqaqaqaaqaqaqaaqaqaqaaqaqaqaqaaqaqaqaqaaqaqaqaqaaqaqaqaqaaqaqaqaqaqaaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqa, Mitchashae Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Alternatives: Henry Burr, Joss Burrto, Sash Stodart, Michael Rolt, Adam Linox, Ajay, Ajay
Official: Jordan Way; Jordan Assistants: Matt Kerahan, Jordan Kaminski. TMO: James Lecky
prediction: This is a big game for Brumby after his winning streak finally ended last week at Waratah. Back at their fortress, they decide to score a big score against the injured Highlanders side who descended on the Reds at home last weekend. Brumbies up to age 12
Top Fantasy Picks: This is the perfect match for Tom Wright.
Odds (tab.com.au): Brumbies $1.30, -8.5 $1.85; Highlanders $3.30, +8.5 $1.90
Saturday, March 29th
Crusades and the Pacific Ocean
Apollo Project Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Crusades: Will Jordan, Chae Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Habili (C), Mcca Springer, James O’Connor, Noah Hotsum, Fletcher Anderson, Ethan Blackader, Karen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioan Moana, George Bohr Alternatives: Codie Taylor, Kids Williams, Quere Career, Xavier Strange, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihand, Levu
Moana: Willim Alternatives: Samua, Abraham Paul, Brita Souta, Tomana Islands, Melanataira, Jackson Garden Boxson Garden, Tuna Tire
Official: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Mark Winter, Jeremy Markey. TMO: Angus Mavey
prediction: What is the difference between the year? The Crusades sit second on the table and look invincible. James O’Connor, a star from the bench so far this season, has been handed the reins to start this week. Meanwhile, Moana has supported Ardie Savea’s return in a timely manner. It’s not enough for Moana. Crusades are up to the age of 20.
Top Fantasy Picks: After showing five games against the Force two weeks ago, Macca Springer is ready to add to the season tally.
Odds (tab.com.au): Crusades $1.02, -24.5$1.85; Moana $11, +24.5$1.90
Queensland Reds vs. Western Squad
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm (AEDT)
red: Heshbasani is Axnoy, Las, Lalular, Parmita and Rsal. exchange: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffrey Tohmaga Allen, Angus Bryce, Connor Best, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin Phillips, and Dore Pakeho.
force: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce. Alternatives: Tom Horton, Ryan Count, Mori, Voili, Reed Princep, Isaac Fine Leleiwasa, Max Buley, and Rayjan Pastiora.
Official: Ben Okefe; Assistant Referee: St. Coe, Jackson Hend. TMO: Brett Crowan
prediction: Both sides enter this confident clash after their respective victories last weekend. The Reds looked strong in an impressive victory over the Highlanders on the road, but the Force surrounded Drua. This should be a tough encounter with a set piece set that plays a big role in the outcome. Expect fireworks when the back row collides. 3 x 3.
Top Fantasy Picks: This gets tight and given his huge tackle count, Carlo Tizzano is what you’ll join your team.
Odds (tab.com.au): Reds $1.20, -11.5 $1.85; $4.20, +11.5 $1.90
Injury zone
Brumby
Lachlan Lonergan (Play To Play Protocol, Concussion, Veosdead Back Round 9), Kadin Pritchard (Play To Play Protocol, Concussion, Veosd Back Round 9), Charlie Cale (Temeline TBC), Ben O’donnell (Hamstring Operation), Tevita Alatini (ACL), Harry Vella (ACL)
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/weeks) Johnny McNicholl (Hamstring/weeks 3-4) Kyle Preston (Rib/1-2) Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Knees/2) George Bell (Foots/Seasons)
Physia and Rua
Saratin Rabangamada (hia), save (knee)
Highlanders
Oliver Heig (foot / 2 weeks) Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks) Jacob Ratumaitabki Nipkens (neck / 2-3 weeks) Forau Whakatava (hamstring / 1-2 weeks) Finn Harley (quad / TBC) Nicola Broughton (rib injury / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (gloin / 1-2 weeks)
Hurricane
Brett Cameron (knee/season) Devan Flanders (ankle/round 12) Tjay Clarke (shoulder/round 11) Daniel Sinkinson (hamstring/round 8) Riley Higgins (hand/round 8) Harry Godfrey (lower limbs/round 11) Billy Proctor (Achilles/TBC)
pacific ocean
Danny Tora (knee) James Ray (elbow) Julian Saver (knee) Kairen Tamoeforau (shoulder) Rosi Filippo (shoulder) Rotunishi (hamstring) Michael Curry (shoulder injury) Samuela Mori
NSW Waratas
Jake Gordon (medial ligament) Mahe Vairanu (broken arm) Triston Riley (shoulder) Dave Polecki (calf) Fergus Lee Warner (foot) Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
Queensland Reds
Jock Campbell, Matt Fessler, Josh Froke, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Liam Wright
Western forces,
Harry Johnson Holmes (knee) Bailey Quenzle (knee) Harry Hoopout (knee) Dibud Pal (shoulder) Matt Proctor (shoulder) Papillon Sever (knee)
suspension
Drua: Motikiai Murray (Round 9)
All odds are correct at the time of publication.