The Western Force are looking to take that next step in 2024 after signing some marquee recruits ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Queensland have signed off Super Round with a record victory over the Western Force, capping a positive weekend for Australian teams.
Auckland have fought their way to an NPC quarter-final against North Harbour but have paid a heavy price and will be without a slew of key players on Friday evening.
With David Havili and Quinn Tupaea both leaving the field in last week's Bledisloe Cup clash, much of the discussion in the follow-up has centred around who the All Blacks will field in the No 12 jersey in this weekend's rematch.
Currently sitting undefeated at the top of the Odds conference, Waikato will face a litmus test at home this weekend when they take on an inconsistent Auckland side at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday.
Having already turned out for the Blues and All Blacks this year, former Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his long-awaited debut for Auckland when they take on Bay of Plenty on Sunday.
Western Force have kept their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive after snapping their losing streak with a key 48-28 win over Moana Pasifika.
The five Australian Super Rugby Pacific franchises - the Brumbies, Reds, Rebels, Force and Waratahs - and the Fijian Drua have unveiled their squads for next season.
All four of the Western Force's Argentine recruits could make their debuts for the side against the Brumbies on Tuesday.
A former All Blacks star believes the Western Force's raft of youngsters will blossom in Australia's new domestic rugby competition.