Trans-Tasman bragging rights are at stake this weekend with three classic Kiwi v Aussie showdowns highlighting an intriguing round five of Super Rugby Pacific.
Returning All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, flanker Sam Cane and halfback Brad Weber, with 372 Chiefs caps between them, will boost teammate Damian McKenzie's celebration of 100 caps in their Super Rugby Pacific game with the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
All Blacks midfield and fullback utility Jordie Barrett had been spending time this week with NRL powerhouse the Melbourne Storm to add to his skill set, especially around his kicking from the ball in hand.
Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead is excited by the opportunity for the club to test themselves against the Crusaders as they look to continue their dominant start.
Down but not out was Blues coach Leon MacDonald's summation after their 28-34 loss to the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific at Eden Park on Saturday night.
A heavy dose of lineout power has carried the Brumbies to a fourth straight Super Rugby Pacific win, seeing off Moana Pasifika in an entertaining, back-and-forth affair in Canberra.
Wing Leicester Fainga'anuku scored three tries for the Christchurch-based Crusaders who held on to beat the Auckland-based Blues 34-28 in a fourth-round match which reprised last year's final in Super Rugby Pacific.
Melbourne Rebels have scored four tries against the unbeaten Super Rugby Pacific leaders, but the Chiefs recovered from a poor start to record a 44-25 win in Hamilton.
Another eye-catching display from teenage son of a gun Max Jorgensen hasn't saved the NSW Waratahs from a worrying third Super Rugby Pacific defeat from four starts to open the season.
The Melbourne Rebels are looking to build after last week's impressive win over the Waratahs, knowing they need to find another level to match it with the red-hot Chiefs.
Execution in crucial plays will be the goal for the Hurricanes to get back on a winning run when hosting the Waratahs in Wellington in Super Rugby Pacific action on Friday.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith hopes the nine-day turnaround, Sunday afternoon rugby and support from Invercargill's crowd will give the Highlanders a much-needed boost against the Force in their Super Rugby Pacific game.
Brumbies outside back Ben O'Donnell admits it was a dream come true to make his Super Rugby debut, having taken 'the long way' to the nation's capital.
