Whilst the two finalists are confirmed for next week's decider, there is still plenty to play for in the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa as teams prepare for Trans-Tasman.
The Hurricanes will be hoping to bounce back after a pair of tight losses against the Highlanders on Friday, with the Chiefs looking to finalise their preparations for the Final on Saturday when they travel to Auckland to face the Blues.
Friday 30 April 5.05pm AEST – Hurricanes v Highlanders at Sky Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
The Hurricanes have freshened up their backline, headlined by the return of powerhouse winger Julian Savea.
He is joined in the backline by Billy Proctor, who swaps with Peter Umaga-Jensen.
Meanwhile, Fraser Armstrong and Wellington winger Pepesana Patafilo come onto the bench.
As for the Highlanders, they have made minor changes to the team that defeated the Blues in a thriller in Round Eight.
Ngatungane Punivai (upper leg) has been rested, with Sam Gilbert rewarded for his strong form after returning from injury.
The only other change on the bench is the return of lock Hugh Renton, replacing Marino Mikaele-Tu, who is unavailable due to a lower leg injury.
HURRICANES(1-15): Xavier Numia, Dane Coles (c), Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Scott Scrafton, Reed Prinsep, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Luke Campbell, Ruben Love, Salesi Rayasi, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Pepesana Patafilo
INs: Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Fraser Armstrong
OUTs: Wes Goosen, Vaea Fifita, Tevita Mafileo
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ayden Johnstone, Ash Dixon (co-c), Siate Tokolahi, Bryn Evans, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon, Kazuki Himeno, Aaron Smith (co-c), Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki, Scott Gregory, Sio Tomkinson, Sam Gilbert, Josh Ioane
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ethan De Groot, Josh Hohneck, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Hugh Renton, Kayne Hammington, Michael Collins, James Lentjes
INs: Sam Gilbert, Hugh Renton
OUTs: Ngatungane Punivai, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u
Saturday 1 May 5.05pm AEST – Blues v Chiefs at Orangetheory Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
Some major changes for the Blues, with stand-in skipper Tom Robinson returning from a concussion.
He is joined by Adrian Choat in the back-row, with Dalton Papalii (knee) missing this game.
20-year-old sensation Zarn Sullivan has been handed his Super Rugby debut at fullback, replacing Stephan Perofeta.
Jonathan Ruru also gets a well-deserved rest, allowing Sam Nock to come onto the bench.
As for the Chiefs, where do you start? Head Coach Clayton McMillan has named an unrecognisable side with his focus seemingly completely on the finals.
The likes of McKenzie, Weber, Linert-Brown and Taukei'aho are amongst 15 changes to the side.
This has seen a mixture of youth and experience, with six debutants named alongside All Black legend Liam Messam, who has been called in from club football after injuries to Kaylum Boshier (shoulder), Sam Cane (shoulder/pectoral) and Luke Jacobson (concussion).
BLUES(1-15): Karl Tu'inukuafe, Kurt Eklund, Nepo Laulala, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Sam Darry, Tom Robinson (c), Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Finaly Christie, Otere Black, Caleb Clarke, Tanielu Tele'a. Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Josh Goodhue, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam
INs: Zarn Sullivan, Josh Goodhue, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Adrian Choat
OUTs: Stephan Perofeta, Blake Gibson, Taine Plumtree, Jonathan Ruru, Dalton Papalii
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Bradley Slater, Sione Mafielo, Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, Villami Taulani, Zane Kapeli, Pita Gus Sowakula, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Bryn Gatland, Shaun Stevenson, Rameka Poihipi, Sean Wainui (c), Bailyn Sullivan, Kaleb Trask
Reserves: Nathan Harris, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe Apikotoa, Liam Messam, Tom Florence, Xavier Roe, River Reihana, Gideon Wrampling
INs: Bradley Slater, Josh Lord, Villami Taulani, Zane Kapeli, Shaun Stevenson, Bailyn Sullivan, Kaleb Trask, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe Apikotoa, Liam Messam, Tom Florence, Xavier Roe, River Reihana, Gideon Wrampling
OUTs: Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Angus Ta'avao, Tupou Vaa'i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Mitchell Brown, Lachlan Boshier, Brad Weber, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jonah Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Kaylum Boshier, Chase Tiatia
