Tremendous Rugby Pacific has handed its midway mark and has set course for the playoffs.
The Easter weekend is ready to ship a string of top of the range video games, headlined by a quadruple-header on Saturday throughout Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.
Learn on for all lineups, ideas and harm updates.
Good luck along with your ideas.
Friday, April 18
Crusaders vs. Blues
Apollo Initiatives Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili (captain), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Cole Forbes, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Mark Tele’a, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), Angus Ta’avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu’a. Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Lachlan McWhannell, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer.
Officers: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Jordan Approach, Matt Kellahan ; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Blues strung back-to-back wins collectively for the primary time final week, and are beginning to resemble extra of the staff that lifted the trophy final yr. However this can be a totally different problem in opposition to a Crusaders staff now sitting fairly in high spot, with its lengthy record of All Blacks delivering throughout the paddock. Can Beauden Barrett encourage an upset? Crusaders by 7.
High Fantasy choose:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders $1.45, -5.5 $1.90; Blues $2.65, +5.5 $1.85
Saturday, April 19
Fijian Drua vs. NSW Waratahs
Churchill Park, Lautoka, 12:05pm (AEDT)
Drua: Isikeli Rabitu, Taniela Rakuro, Iosefo Masi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Longanimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Simione Kuruvoli; Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Etonia Waqa, Leone Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai. Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou
Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Lawson Creighton, Teddy Wilson; Leafi Talataina, Charlie Gamble, Jamie Anderson, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclai, Daniel Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea. Replacements: Julian Heaven, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O’Donnell.
Officers: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: High marks if you happen to backed the Waratahs final weekend, the $4.50 outsiders completely deserved their win over the Chiefs. Most spectacular was their defensive resolve, notably after that they had conceded over 45 factors in heavy defeats by the Hurricanes and Moana. However the Tahs are but to win on the street in 2025 and this can be a mighty problem in Lautoka. The Drua’s season seems all however over, although they are going to be determined to carry out for his or her fanatical supporters. If the Tahs can face up to an early onslaught, and never get caught in an attacking free-for-all, maybe they’ll take down the Fijians? Drua by 3.
High Fantasy choose:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua $1.52, -4.5 $1.85; Waratahs $2.45, +40.5 $1.90
Moana Pasifika vs. Brumbies
Navigation Properties Stadium, Pukekohe, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Moana: Tevita Ofa, Nice Inisi, Pepesana Patafilo, Julian Savea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Sione Havili Talitui (captain), Miracle Faiilagi, Michael Curry, Tom Savage, Sione Mafile’o, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Backyard-Bachop, Danny Toala.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Tuaina Taii Tualima, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek. Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton.
Officers: Angus Mabey; Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Ben O’Keeffe ; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: It is a important sport for each groups. Moana want to remain in contact with the highest six, whereas the Brumbies know {that a} third street win for 2025 will put them in a wonderful place for a top-two end on condition that 4 of their closing 5 video games are at residence. We’ll additionally see two of the premier forwards go at it right here; can Ardie Savea encourage one other memorable Moana win, or will Rob Valetini use his measurement and physicality to tug the Brumbies to victory? Brumbies by 10.
High Fantasy choose:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana $2.40, +4.5 $1.87; Brumbies $1.53, -4.5 $1.87
Chiefs vs. Highlanders
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson (captain), Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Taniela Filimone, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton (co-capt), Veveni Lasaqa, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Sosefo Kautai, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Te Kamaka Howden, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Sam Gilbert, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Officers: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Jordan Approach, Matt Kellahan; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Highlanders saved in contact with the highest six with a win over the lowly Drua, however this can be a enormous step up away in Hamilton, in opposition to a Chiefs facet that possible had strips torn of it by coach Clayton McMillan after final weekend’s diabolical displaying in Sydney. Damian McKenzie was the chief offender in that one, and he’ll be determined to atone for his seven turnovers. You’re feeling the Highlanders would possibly really feel the complete wrath of the Chiefs right here. Chiefs by 15.
High Fantasy choose:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.13, -15.5 $1.87; Highlanders $5.50, +15.5 $1.87
Western Pressure vs. Hurricanes
HBF Park, Perth, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Pressure: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, George Poolman.
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Ngane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-capt), Brad Shields (co-capt), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-capt), Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Zach Gallagher, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor.
Officers: Damon Murphy; Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Jordan Kaminski; TMO: Graham Cooper
Prediction: That is one other tantalising fixture that may check tippers and supporters alike. The Pressure ought to be contemporary off after per week off, however their final outing in opposition to the Highlanders wasn’t all that convincing, regardless of the victory. The Hurricanes in the meantime have proven solely glimpses of their greatest, and left all of it too late in opposition to the Crusaders final week. The Pressure have proven they’ve way more factors in them this yr, however defence is the place they might want to ship right here. Maintain the Hurricanes below 20 factors and so they’ll win it. That’s simpler stated than accomplished, nonetheless, notably if Cam Roigard, Kini Naholo and their athletic back-row get going. Hurricanes by 5.
High Fantasy choose:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Pressure $2.20, +3.5 $1.87; Hurricanes $1.62, -3.5 $1.87
Damage Ward
Brumbies
Lachlan Lonergan (return to play protocol, concussion, anticipated again Spherical 9), Kadin Pritchard (return to play protocol, concussion, anticipated again Spherical 9), Charlie Cale (decrease again harm, timeline TBC), Ben O’Donnell (hamstring operation), Tevita Alatini (ACL), Harry Vella (ACL)
Blues
PJ Sheck (shoulder), Ben Ake (shoulder), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (concussion), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), AJ Lam (leg).
Chiefs
Simon Parker (Knee, Quick-term), Anton Lienert-Brown (Leg, Quick-term), Josh Lord (Knee, Mid-term), Rameka Poihipi (Knee, Season), Kaleb Trask (Hamstring, Mid-term), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Hamstring, Lengthy-term), Liam Coombes-Fabling (Knee, Mid-term), Fiti Sa, (Shoulder, Lengthy-term), Wallace Sititi (Knee, Lengthy-term), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Shoulder, Quick-term)
Crusaders
Dom Gardiner (Hamstring/ 2 weeks) Johnny McNicholl (Hamstring/ 3-4 weeks) Kyle Preston (Rib/1-2 weeks) Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Knee/ 2 weeks) George Bell (Foot/season) Braydon Ennor (Hamstring/TBC) Finlay Brewis (Shoulder/season)
Fijian Drua
Epeli Momo (Knee)
Highlanders
Oliver Haig (Foot / 2 weeks ) Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ) Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC) Nikora Broughton (Rib Damage / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks)
Hurricanes
Brett Cameron (Knee/season) Devan Flanders (Ankle/ Spherical 12) Tjay Clarke (Shoulder/ Spherical 11) Daniel Sinkinson (Hamstring/ Spherical 8) Riley Higgins (Hand/ Spherical 8) Harry Godfrey (Decrease Leg/Spherical 11) Billy Proctor (Achilles/ TBC)
Moana Pasifika
James Lay (elbow) Julian Savea (knee) Losi Filipo (shoulder) Lotu Inisi (hamstring) Michael Curry (shoulder harm) Samiuela Moli (hamstring) Sione Havili Talitui (ankle)
NSW Waratahs
Max Jorgensen (ankle), Jake Gordon (medial ligament) Mahe Vailanu (damaged arm) Dave Porecki (calf) Fergus Lee-Warner (foot) Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
Queensland Reds
Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Liam Wright
Western Pressure,
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee) Harry Hoopert (knee) Divad Palu (shoulder) Matt Proctor (shoulder) Papillon Sevele (knee)
Suspensions
Drua: Motikiai Murray (Spherical 9)
Highlanders: Sean Withy (Spherical 12)
All odds appropriate at time of publication.
