Four tries sourced from mauls have helped the Brumbies power past Fijian Drua and return to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with their seventh win from eight games.
The high-flying Blues have produced a rare shut out of the neighbouring Chiefs, triumphing 25-0 for their sixth win to go top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
The Crusaders have clung to a three-point lead for 33 minutes to beat the Hurricanes 24-21 in a contentious Super Rugby Pacific match that featured seven lead changes.
Close to full strength, the Blues will be looking to continue their recent success against long-time derby rivals, the Chiefs, in Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific game in Hamilton.
Super Rugby Pacific reaches the halfway point of the regular season this weekend and plenty of intrigue remains as to which eight teams will secure the coveted playoff spots at the conclusion of the full 15 rounds.
Facing three games in a week will be a challenge for the Hurricanes this week, and it doesn't come much harder than starting against the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday in Wellington.
No stone has been left unturned for Moana Pasifika as they seek a second win in their Super Rugby Pacific game against the winless Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.
The Queensland Reds have defied another red card to end the Brumbies' unbeaten run and draw level with their Australian rivals at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has made a successful comeback as the NSW Waratahs crushed an ill-disciplined Fijian Drua 38-14 to keep their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive.
The Crusaders have held on through a scoreless second half and with 14 men for the last three minutes to beat the Highlanders 17-14 in Super Rugby Pacific.