In one of the most exciting starts to a season on record with an even split of Australian and New Zealand teams sitting in the top 6 and upsets on the cards in every match.
The action continues this weekend with some big match ups coming up including another chapter in the historic rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales.
Under the roof on Friday afternoon, it’s a classic New Zealand derby as the Highlanders fresh of the bye welcome the Hurricanes who will be desperate for the win after a disappointing round 4.
The Hurricanes have won their last four at this venue as well as defeating the Highlanders in their last seven matchups.
They welcome back enforcers Tyral Lomax and Asafo Aumua to the squad.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders will be looking to break a horror run after only winning two of their last 23 games against New Zealand opposition.
I do like the Hurricanes in this one with Cam Roigard and Ruben Love to put on a show and will be taking the visitors at the line.
Fresh off big victories, the Brumbies looking to secure their first win at home in 2025 as they take on a Drua side full of confidence after taking down the high flying Chiefs.
The Brumbies have won all five games against the Drua in their history and will welcome back Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio.
On the other side, the Drua are looking for back to back wins for first time since Round 6 last year and will be aided by the return Iosefo Masi in the 13 jersey.
I do think the Brumbies will continue the strong form and be looking for redemption back at Gio Stadium after the poor showing in their first home game.
Brumbies at the line in this one.
Full of confidence after a dominate performance last start, the Crusaders are back at home and welcome a Western Force side desperately chasing a victory in New Zealand having lost their last seven on that side of the Tasman..
The Western Force however will be without big time Wallabies Nic White, Carlo Tizzano, Hamish Stewart and Ben Donaldson who will be rested.
For the Crusaders, Braydon Ennor returns at outside centre and will be looking to continue the trend against the Force winning the last five at this venue.
Crusaders far too good in this one, will take the points with the 19.5 and the first half total points over 28.5 is also worth a play.
In a grand final rematch and two sides that were beaten in dramatic upsets in Round 4.
The Chiefs are back at home and will be looking to maintain their strong record at the venue winning the last 18 of 20.
The big inclusion is Damien Mckenzie who returns to flyhalf after missing last week’s clash, he is the game breaker and will be all the difference in this one.
The Blues however will be without Beauden Barrett who suffered a broken hand but the return of Stephen Perofeta from the bench provides some depth in the backline stocks.
It is always a tough outing in Waikato but seven of the last eight games for the Blues away from Eden Park have been decided by eight points or less.
I think the Chiefs do enough to win this and will take them to win 1-12
In the ultimate state rivalry, the unbeaten Waratahs travel to Suncorp Stadium taking on a Queensland side looking to respond after a disappointing showing in Round 4.
It’s been tough run of injuries for the Reds missing key wallabies but this week they welcome back hitman Hunter Paisami who is a big boost in the midfield.
The Reds have won six of their last seven against the Waratahs including the last four at Suncorp Stadium.