Jack's back: Friday's S14 news
Super 14 champions Canterbury Crusaders are able to call on New Zealand lock Chris Jack for their decisive clash with the Chiefs at Jade Stadium.
With six teams fighting for four play-off spots, the Crusaders need at least a point to guarantee a top four finish, while a draw is necessary to book a home tie.
Jack has been out since the end of March with a hamstring strain but he returns as one of four changes to Robbie Deans' side.
Crucially Dan Carter misses out with a shoulder problem, so Stephen Brett deputises at fly-half.
Rico Gear and Andrew Ellis are the other two additions, while Kahn Fotuali'i and Rua Tipoki drafted onto the bench.
The Chiefs simply must win in Christchurch if they are to book a play-off place, as they stand one point outside the top four, with fellow chasers ACT Brumbies just a point behind them.
Coach Ian Foster resists the temptation to call on fit-again All Black Byron Kelleher at scrum-half, keeping faith with Brendon Leonard.
Foster is hoping continuity can see his men pull off a miraculous victory at the home of the champions.
The pack features just one change, with Tom Willis returning to take on the hooking duties in place of Aled de Malmanche.
Midfielders Richard Kahui and Tasesa Lavea are still injured so top try-scorer Tane Tu'ipulotu partners Dwayne Sweeney.
Auckland Blues boss David Nucifora has once again opened himself up for potential criticism by dropping his All Blacks for Friday's visit to Western Force.
The Blues are precariously placed in third position in the table, knowing victory is necessary to guarantee an extended climax to the season.
Keven Mealamu and Ali Williams will start from the bench on Friday, while Joe Rokocoko does not make the squad.
Luke McAlister does start though, winning his race against injury to replace Sam Tuitupou, who does not travel due to a neck problem.
In the pack Derren Witcombe steps in for Mealamu as Nucifora looks to use his Kiwi ace as an impact substitution.
Nick Williams is the other addition to the pack, bringing extra power to the number eight position.
Western Force still hold a mathematical chance of play-off qualification, but they must win by 42 points to give themselves any hope.
Coach John Mitchell knows that scenario is distinctly unlikely, but he has called on fresh legs nevertheless.
In three changes to personnel, Junior Pelesasa, Luke Doherty and David Pocock all start, with James Hilgendorf, Richard Brown and Matt Hodgson dropping to the bench.
Pelesasa's presence at inside-centre forces Matt Giteau into the role of fly-half, while Doherty and and Pocock take the flanks.
Chris O'Young will bid farewell to the Force fans on Friday, after agreeing to play in Glasgow next season.
