CHIEFS v CRUSADERS

Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Kickoff: 7.05pm

Referee: Mike Fraser

TAB odds: Chiefs $2.85 Crusaders $1.38

WEEK OFF: HURRICANES

at the 2015 World Cup in Britain.

3 Akira Ioane’s slide out of the Blues’ top XV adds heat to the No 6 conversation.

The in-form Ioane was preferred at blindside flanker for the All Blacks’ final test against Argentina of 2020, a comprehensive 38-0 victory.

The biggest loser from that reshuffle was Shannon Frizell, with Hoskins Sotutu on the bench. Now Ioane can’t make the Blues starting team, as Tom Robinson captains the side at No 6 in the absence of the injured Tuipulotu.

The flame-haired Robinson, who could also potentially cover lock at a pinch for the All Blacks, may be making his move.

4 Don’t forget Cullen Grace and Luke Jacobson, either.

Both can cover No 8 and No 6. Jacobson, having been ignored by Foster last year, is making a statement with the Chiefs.

The Crusaders’ Grace, by contrast, has been a slow burner in 2021. The so-called second season syndrome is nothing new.

5 SRA is full of misfortune and stories of bad luck.

The Highlanders’ Connor Garden-Bachop knows that more than most.

His bravery at taking the high ball on the fly, and running hard at the line, added some oomph to SRA.

A cracked wrist puts and end to that. And there are still three rounds, and a final, of this gruelling tournament yet to be played.

If the trans-Tasman competition isn’t a goer, it’s back to the SRA for another round. If anyone is left standing, that is.