Two significant upsets last weekend caused a tipping kerfuffle but The Roar panel lived and died by the same tips.

This week there are some juicy match ups with a lot on the line.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND THREE TEAMS

Christy Doran

Highlanders, Waratahs, Chiefs, Blues, Reds

This’ll be a blockbuster of a round. There’s much at stake. From my read, only the Chiefs and Waratahs are outright favourites but every clash looms as a humdinger. 

I thought about backing Moana Pasifika, but Jamie Joseph should have his Highlanders side focussed to go back to back after their upset win last weekend.

Despite the loss of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, the Waratahs should be too good for the Drua. Dan McKellar will have them playing structured rugby for the opening 50 minutes and that’ll prove effective.

Photo: Waratahs Media

If the Chiefs play anywhere near as well as they have over the opening two rounds of the competition they should blow away the Brumbies who are without Noah Lolesio and Australian rugby’s most physical and best player, Rob Valetini.

The Blues simply need to win and I think they will. The Hurricanes aren’t quite as potent nor threatening without Billy Proctor and Ruben Love.

The Reds have an almighty challenge to get over the Force and they weren’t helped by the losses of Hunter Paisami and Jock Campbell. Jeremy Williams’ absence for the Force is just as big. I’d say the Reds will play with a fraction too much pace for the Force, but it’ll be close. 

Nick Wasiliev

Highlanders, Waratahs, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Force

God, what a horrific start to my title defence. I feel like I play for the Blues right now!

I’m quite excited for this first match-up – I’m heavily on the Kyren Taumoefolau train, the lad is a gun. Despite no wins on their Aussie tour, I still think Moana is looking the best they have since their inception – Ardie Savea and Tana Umaga’s influence has made them a more aggressive, attacking side – but you are not going to win many games if you leak 101 points in two weeks. Highlanders should get the W.

If a clunky version of the Tahs can beat a settled Landers side, they should be able to put the Drua away at home – even though Glen Jackson’s men did run the Hurricanes close in Napier. Really, this is a test of whether the bye was a help or a hindrance. I wager the former. 

I hope Stephen Larkham flogged the Brumbies in training this week after that loss –  that first half was a nightmare. They need to address those clear lapses that came up against the Force quickly, a second week of that and some serious questions must be raised. With that loss, they need at least one win from their Kiwi tour – and I don’t think it’s going to come against the side that just put a club-record score on the Crusaders.

(Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

The Canes haven’t started the season too badly, especially when you consider their injury toll – they put away the Drua in a frankly messy affair, and despite what you think about Penney, winning in Christchurch is hard at the best of times. Being back at the Cake Tin will do them good, and with a few players expected to return they should be more polished against the Blues – who seem to be still searching for that form from last year. Can relate, tipping wise.

Am I daring it? Do I seriously think the Force can go three-in-a-row? The Reds look good, and put on 50 with barely any ball last week. Given both sides started with wins over Moana, you’d think Les Kiss’ men would be favourites – but something is telling me the Force will pull it out of the fire at home. Usually when I tip them they lose though, so blame me, Force fans, if results go south. 

Hamish Bidwell

Highlanders, Waratahs, Chiefs, Blues, Reds

I suspect many neutral fans would like to see Moana Pasifika do well. They certainly try hard, but there’s just not enough quality in their squad.

Similar can be said of the Fijian Drua. They had the Hurricanes beaten last week, but didn’t know how to finish the job.

The Chiefs should’ve won the comp last year, but they failed to show any comprehension of what wins grand final footy. They’ve started well again and it’s only complacency that’ll keep them from beating the Brumbies on Saturday.

It’s better for sports writers if the Blues lose this week, but I would imagine sheer desperation will get them over the line in this game.

The Force are going to have to win a few more games to convince me they’re genuinely competitive. I backing the Reds, but not by many.

Ben Pobjie

Moana Pasifika, Waratahs, Chiefs, Blues, Reds

Moana vs Highlanders: Moana Pasifika at home and with a couple of frustrating losses to spur them. Highlanders away and post-euphoric after knocking off the Blues. It’s Moana’s time to shine.

Waratahs vs Drua: After getting safely through the bye, the world’s greatest rugby team, the Waratahs, are primed to continue fulfilling their destiny. If it were in Suva they might struggle, but in Sydney they’ll handle the Drua fine.

Chiefs vs Brumbies. The Brumbies need a win after the Force embarrassed them, but they’ve got the toughest assignment of all in travelling to take on the supremely menacing Chiefs. I expect the Brumbies to improve, but not enough to defeat a Chiefs machine that’s humming beautifully.

Hurricanes vs Blues. The Hurricanes have looked good and would feel confident, but I can’t believe the Blues are going to drop three in a row.

Force vs Reds. The Force are flying, albeit via narrow victories in which they’ve conceded over 40 points. The Reds were good last week and will probably be even better this week, I think they’ll have too much firepower, although I feel pretty nervous about the tip as the Force have that convention-upturning vibe this year.