Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa are now both well underway and already the wheat looks to be separating itself from the chaff.
In New Zealand, surprise surprise, it's the Crusaders who are setting the early pace but the Blues will be looking to make a statement this weekend after having the Round 2 bye.
Back across the Tasman in Australia, the unbeaten Brumbies and Reds face off in an early preview of what many believe will serve as the final later this year.
Read on for the latest team lists, odds and analysis of the two fixtures from each competition below.
SUPER RUGBY AU
Friday, March 12
Western Force vs. Melbourne Rebels, HBF Park, Perth, 8.45pm [AEDT]
Force: Robert Kearney, Byron Ralston, Tevita Kuridrani, Richard Kahui, Marcel Brache, Jake Mcintyre, Tomas Cubelli, Byrnard Stander, Kane Koteka, Fergus Lee Warner, Ryan McCauley, Jeremy Thrush, Santiago Medrano, Feleti Kaitu'u, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Jack Winchester, Angus Wagner, Greg Holmes, Joe Timani, Lezana, Ian Prior, Henry Taefu, Jack McGregor
Rebels: Tom Pincus, Lachlan Anderson, Stacey Ili, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Matt To'omua, Joe Powell, Michael Wells, Richard Hardwick, Joshua Kemeny, Trevor Hosea, Ross Haylett-Petty, Pone Faamausili, James Hanson, Cabous Eloff.
Replacements: Ed Craig, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Lucio Sordoni, Steven Cummins, Glen Vaihu, James Tuttle
Odds [tab.com.au]: Force $2.25 [+2.5 $1.90], Rebels $1.65 [-2.5 1.90]
Verdict: There's opposing emotions between the sides coming into this match; the Force secured their first Super Rugby win since 2017 with a huge victory over the Waratahs, meanwhile the Rebels were left broken-hearted after they fell just three points short in the dying minutes to the Brumbies. The Rebels head into the match unchanged as they hunt for their first win of 2021, so expect some big up front battles between Stander and Wells, while their backline will be hard to stop. The Force will be full of beans following last weeks win, but can't rest on their laurels if they want to add to their winning column. Despite last weeks win, the Force will be up against it and will need to find another level if they're to down the Rebels. Tip: Rebels by 7.
Saturday, March 13
Brumbies vs. Queensland Reds, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:45pm [AEDT]
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Mack Hansen, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Tom Cusack, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Tom Ross, Folau Fainga'a,Scott Sio.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Harry Lloyd, Archer Holz, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown, Ryan Lonergan, Reesjan Pasitoa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Reds: Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, Dane Zander
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Moses Sorovi, Bryce Hegarty, Josh Flook
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies $1.58 [-3.5 $1.90], Reds $2.40 [+3.5 $1.90]
Verdict: Expect fireworks as the Reds head to Canberra for a 2020 grand final rematch. Scrapping through with a tight three point win last week, the Brumbies will be looking to go nine straight at home, while the Reds will be determined to make up for last year's defeat. The Brumbies will be disappointed with Connal McInerney's potentially season ending injury, but have a handy replacement in Folau Fainga'a, while there'll be missing plenty of firepower up front with Allan Alaalatoa sidelined through suspension and James Slipper out with injury. The Reds meanwhile, will have a full strength side and have chosen to make several changes in their backline with Suliasi Vunivalu named for his first start. After he missed the first round and came off the bench against the Rebels, expectations will be high for the wing to make a big impact. There's no love lost between the sides after last year's grand final so expect plenty of passion and a high scoring match. Tip: Reds to pip under strength Brumbies by 3.
BYE: Waratahs
SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA
Saturday, March 13
Crusaders vs. Chiefs, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 5.05pm [AEDT]
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Samuel Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, George Bower.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Fletcher Newell, Mitchell Dunshea, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Dallas McLeod.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson, Sean Wainui, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Bryn Gatland, Brad Weber (cc), Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (cc), Mitchell Brown, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Angus Ta'avao, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Reuben O'Neill.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross, Sione Mafileo, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Chase Tiatia.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Crusaders $1.14 [-15.5 $1.90], Chiefs $5.80 [+15.5 $1.90]
Verdict: Winless in nine games, the last place the Crusaders probably want to be heading to is Christchurch. The Crusaders, who really only hit their straps for half an hour against the Hurricanes, have named a typically imposing line-up albeit one that has David Havili in the unfamiliar role of second five. Just how the fullback settles into the midfield adds an extra bit of an intrigue to this contest, one the hosts are almost unbackable favourites to win. Simply, there is no weakness to this Crusaders side. A dominant set-piece, incredibly mobile pack and a backline that has strike weapons from one touchline to the other, making them the most complete provincial team on the planet. The Chiefs basically have to be perfect - certainly not see any of their players yellow or red carded - and to hope the Crusaders are off their game. The visitors played excellent rugby for one half last week, but that doesn't even come close to cutting it against the kings of Super Rugby.Tip: Crusaders by 21.
Sunday, March 14
Blues vs. Highlanders, Eden Park, Auckland, 1.35pm [AEDT]
Blues: Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Otere Black, Jonathan Ruru; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Luteru Tolai, Karl Tu'inukuafe.
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, James Lay, Nepo Laulala, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Tanielu Tele'a, Emoni Narawa.
Highlanders: Connor Garden-Bachop, Ngatugnane Punivai, Michael Collins, Patelesio Tomkinson, Jona Nareki, Josh Ioane, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Dickson, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Ethan De Groot.
Replacements: Ash Dixon, Josh Hohneck, Jeff Thwaites, Bryn Evans, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Billy Harmon.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Blues $1.37 [-7.5, $1.90] Highlanders $3.15 [+7.5 $1.90]
Verdict: The Blues are back in action following the Round 2 bye, and the timing couldn't be any better with crowds officially cleared to return to Eden Park for Sunday's visit of the Highlanders. Leon MacDonald's team turned in an excellent performance away to the Hurricanes first-up, punishing their hosts' mistakes with the kind of ruthlessness that is usually reserved for the Crusaders. Built around a Test-quality front-row and dynamic back-row, the Blues look to have all the tools to really push the men from the south in this year's competition. But they won't be looking beyond the Highlanders, who completed a brilliant comeback win over the Chiefs in Hamilton last week. Coach Tony Brown already looks to have made his mark, though this is another step up for this young Highlanders outfit. If the visitors can hang in the contest deep into the second half, the Blues might just lose their way as they are still to learn the art of closing games out. But this is definitely the hosts' game to lose. Tip: Blues by 11.
Bye: Hurricanes