With just three weeks until the finals, every game in round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific carries further significance as teams fight for position.
The action starts in Dunedin with a potential finals eliminator as the Highlanders host the Western Force. Tony Brown has pulled a significant selection shock with Sam Gilbert selected at flyhalf as both teams fight for the eighth position.
This is followed by a potential Grand Final preview as the Brumbies welcome the Crusaders to GIO Stadium. The hosts will have to do it without Noah Lolesio and Rob Valetini after succumbing to injury.
The battle of the expansion sides kicks off a blockbuster Saturday triple-header as Fijian Drua take on Moana Pasifika. Both teams find themselves needing a win to keep their slim finals hopes alive, with a free-flowing exciting spectacle expected at CommBank Stadium.
The Blues will then look to continue their remarkable winning streak when they face the Reds at Eden Park. The ladder-leaders dominated the Rebels and will be out to replicate their efforts against Brad Thorn's men, who received a major boost when Wallaby James O'Connor was named to return from injury earlier than expected.
Rounding out Saturday will be the Waratahs returning to Leichhardt Oval as they take on the Hurricanes. Both teams have top-four aspirations and a win here will put them one step closer towards hosting a quarter-final.
The round concludes in Melbourne as the Rebels look to bounce back against the Chiefs. Both teams are coming off disappointing defeats and will be desperate for victory as the hosts welcome back captain Michael Wells and Wallaby Jordan Uelese.
Check out our official round 13 match programme below to see all the team lists, key stats, players to watch and feature stories – including an insightful look at Nic White and his influence over the Brumbies feature. You can also subscribe to the weekly programme on the official tournament home page super.rugby - sign up now with your email address.
