Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific opens with Moana Pasifika playing their first game at home as they search for a win against the Highlanders, while the Blues also target their victory against a strong Hurricanes side.
The Chiefs look strong again as they go for three in a row at home against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday, while the Crusaders have the bye.
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The Highlanders will be fizzing after their win over the Blues and take on Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium as Ardie Savea moves to the back of the scrum.
Tevita Ofa and Patrick Pellegrini look set to debut for Moana off the bench.
The Highlanders survived penalties and a lack of numbers last week on the inspiration of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Finn Hurley. How will they go with a potentially big crowd against them?
Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders, North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Friday, February 28
MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Danny Toala, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafile'o, Millennium Sanerivi, James Lay. Reserves: Tevita Ofa, Patrick Pellegrini, Melani Matavao, Ola Tauelangi, Samuel Slade, Chris Apoua, Tito Tuipulotu, Sama Malolo
HIGHLANDERS: Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Sefo Kautai, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Josh Bartlett. Reserves: Jake Te Hiwi, Cameron Millar, Nathan Hastie, TKx Howden, Will Stodart, Saula Ma'u, Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor
The Chiefs are once again sgrong across the park including the reserves who served them so well last week.
They're possibly a little raw at seven and eight with Jahrome Brown and Simon Parker, but have enough depth to cover if needed.
Chiefs vs Brumbies, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, Saturday, March 1, 4.35pm
CHIEFS: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Manasa Mataele, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i (c), Josh Lord, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Gideon Wrampling, Daniel Rona, Xavier Roe, Kaylum Boshier, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Sione Ahio, Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho
The Hurricanes have their strong loose forward trio starting with Peter Lakai getting his first start of the season while Cam Roigard will be looking to continue his form from the previous week against Fijian Drua.
The Blues have selected a similar side to last week, but in reality some of the senior players need to step up after going missing in the loss to the Highlanders. No players should be looking tired and lacking of ideas this early in the season, but some of the Blues did.
Hurricanes vs Blues, Sky Stadium, Wellington, Saturday, March 1, 7.05pm
HURRICANES: Kade Banks, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), Brad Shields (cc), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Ngatungane Punivai, Riley Hohepa, Ereatara Enari, Brayden Iose, Hugo Plummer, Tevita Mafileo, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Jacob Devery
BLUES: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Cameron Suafoa, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Cole Forbes, Corey Evans, Sam Nock, Anton Segner, Cam Christie, Angus Ta'avao, Joshua Fusitu'a, James Mullan