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.
New Zealand's Canterbury province has always been known for its uncanny ability to produce first five-eighths of the highest order.
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.
Despite a slow start to the season, Zarn Sullivan is on track to becoming a world-class fullback.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made a swathe of changes to his side for their upcoming match with the Fijian Drua in Christchurch.
The Waratahs have become the second Australian Super Rugby Pacific team to beat a New Zealand side this season after shocking the Crusaders in Sydney.
Following their bonus point win over the Melbourne Rebels in last weekend's Super Round, the Crusaders have now travelled to Sydney where they are preparing to play the Waratahs on Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval.
New Zealand's ongoing struggle with goal-kicking reared its ugly head again in the third round of Super Rugby Pacific with a number of key players having off days with the boot.