With Super Round just a week away, teams will be looking to impress in the final round of local derbies as we head into round nine.
The round starts with arguably the game of the season with the Crusaders taking on the Blues in Christchurch, with the winner establishing themselves as the favourite to win the competition.
This will be followed in Melbourne by the Rebels hosting the Reds at AAMI Park. The hosts are starting to build momentum after two straight wins whilst Brad Thorn's men will welcome flyer Suliasi Vunivalu back for his first game of the season.
Saturday's triple-header begins in Waikato as the Chiefs welcome Moana Pasifika to FMG Stadium.
Moana will be looking to bounce back after their thumping defeat to the Hurricanes whilst a win cements the hosts' spot in the top eight
This is followed in Dunedin with the Highlanders taking on the Hurricanes, with Tony Brown's men eager to build momentum after their first win of the season.
The round will end in Perth with the Western Force facing the Waratahs at HBF Park
Both teams need a win if they wish to be playing finals football as the Waratahs welcome back captain Jake Gordon.
Check out our official round nine match programme below to see all the team lists, key stats, players to watch and feature stories – including previewing the Crusaders-Blues classic as well as looking at Dave Porecki and the Wallabies’ quest for a permanent hooker. You can also subscribe to the weekly programme on the official tournament home page super.rugby - sign up now with your email address.
