Round 3 kicks off in Wellington and continues with the undefeated Rebels and Crusaders hosting the next two games, against the Brumbies and the Chiefs respectively, before the big traditional Australian derby featuring the Waratahs and the Reds. But the best might just be coming last with the Bulls hosting the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld to round out the weekend.
(Note: All times are Australian Eastern Daylight Time)
Friday, March 8
Hurricanes vs. Highlanders, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 5.35 p.m.
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Jordie Barrett, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, T.J. Perenara; Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Liam Mitchell, James Blackwell, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Dane Coles (captain), Chris Eves. Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Ben May, Isaia Walker-Leawere / Andries Ferreira, Reed Prinsep, Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Vince Aso.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Richard Buckman, Sio Tomkinson, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Tevita Li, Josh Ioane, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock (co-captain), James Lentjes, Jackson Hemopo, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone. Replacements: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Tom Franklin, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks, Waisake Naholo.
Rebels vs. Brumbies, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 7.45 p.m.
Rebels: Dane Haylett-Petty, Jack Maddocks, Tom English, Billy Meakes, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Isi Naisarani, Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota, Matt Philip, Adam Coleman, Sam Talakai, Robbie Abel, Matt Gibbon. Replacements: Anaru Rangi, Tetera Faulkner, Jermaine Ainsley, Luke Jones, Ross Haylett-Petty, Richard Hardwick, Michael Ruru, Reece Hodge..
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Christian Leali’ifano (captain), Joe Powell, Tom Cusack, David Pocock, Rob Valetini, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Faingaa, Scott Sio. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, James Slipper, Les Leuluaialii-Makin, Murray Douglas, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Wharenui Hawera, Chance Peni.
Saturday, March 9
Crusaders vs. Chiefs, Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch, 3.15 p.m.
Crusaders: TBA
Chiefs: TBA
Blues vs. Sunwolves, North Harbour Stadium, Albany 5.35 p.m.
Blues: TBA
Sunwolves: TBA.
Waratahs vs. Red, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, 7:45 p.m.
Waratahs: TBA
Reds: TBA.
Sunday, March 10
Lions vs. Jaguares, Emirates Airline Stadium, Johannesburg, 12.05 a.m.
Lions: TBA
Jaguares: TBA
Bulls vs. Sharks Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, 2:05 a.m.
Bulls: Warrick Gelant, Cornal Hendricks, Jesse Kriel, Dylan Sage, Rosko Specman, Handré Pollard (captain), Ivan van Zyl, Duane Vermeulen, Tim Agaba, Jannes Kirsten, Jason Jenkins, Hanro Liebenberg, Trevor Nyakane, Schalk Brits, Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements: Corniel Els, Simphiwe Matanzima, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Tembelani Bholi, Paul Schoeman, Embrose Papier, Manie Libbok, Divan Rossouw.
Sharks: TBA
Bye: Stormers