Live blog: Super Rugby Pacific round seven

The seventh round of Super Rugby Pacific continues on Saturday when the Rebels host the Blues in Melbourne. Follow all the action in our live blog below.

Team news

Super Rugby veteran Aaron Smith will not run out to Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday when the Highlanders taken on the high-flying Hurricanes.

Smith has been ruled out of the New Zealand derby due to family reasons. In his place, Test halfback Folau Fakatava is set to start his second match of the season.

In total, the Highlanders have made four changes to their starting XV ahead of the highly-anticipated clash.

As for their opponents, the Hurricanes have named a star-studded side for the match – including the return of world-class backrower Ardie Savea.

The Hurricanes have made nine changes to their starting side, and you can read the full run down here.

Halfback Cam Roigard is set to return after being named in the No. 9 jersey, and will partner rising star Aidan Morgan in the halves after flyhalf Brett Cameron was injured last weekend.

In the final match of round seven, the Blues have welcomed back a couple of key players for their crucial match against the Rebels in Melbourne.

All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will start in the No. 4 jersey, while Mark Telea has also been named on the right wing.

Replacement hooker Jordan Uelese can become the first Rebels player to play 50 Super Rugby games after being named on the bench.

Flyhalf Carter Gordon is set to start in the No. 10 jumper again this week – a player who could break Blues’ hearts if he’s on song tonight.

MVP round seven votes (3-2-1)

Crusaders vs Moana Pasifika - Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders), Dallas McLeod (Crusaders), Levi Aumua (Moana Pasifika)

Reds vs Brumbies - Rob Valetini (Brumbies), Tom Wright (Brumbies), Noah Lolesio (Brumbies)

Highlanders vs Hurricanes - Cam Roigard (Hurricanes), Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes), Du'Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes)

Rebels vs  Blues - Beauden Barrett (Blues), Finlay Christie (Blues), Mark Telea (Blues)

MVP candidates leader board (updated)

12 points - Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders)

11 points – Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs)

8 points – Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)

7 points – Cam Roigard (Hurricanes), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)

6 points – Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Emoni Narawa (Chiefs), Hamish Stewart (Force), Jordan Petaia (Reds), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Lachlan Lonergan (Brumbies), Mark Telea (Blues), Richard Hardwick (Rebels), Tevita Ikanivere (Drua)

5 points – Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes)

4 points – Beauden Barrett (Blues), Carter Gordon (Rebels), Iosefo Masi (Drua), Josh Flook (Reds), Langi Gleeson (Waratahs), Rob Valetini (Brumbies), Sam Gilbert (Highlanders), Tom Wright (Brumbies)

3 points – Andy Muirhead (Brumbies), Bailyn Sullivan (Hurricanes), Dalton Papali’i (Blues), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Finlay Christie (Blues), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), James Slipper (Brumbies), Kini Naholo (Hurricanes), Lachie Anderson (Rebels), Ryan Lonergan (Brumbies), Salestino Ravutaumada (Drua), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Highlanders)

2 points – Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Brad Weber, Billy Harmon (Highlanders), Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Dallas McLeod (Crusaders), Danny Toala (Moana), David Havili (Crusaders), Harry Wilson (Reds), Jamie Booth (Hurricanes), Kitione Salawa (Drua), Levi Aumua (Moana), Luke Reimer (Brumbies), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Waratahs), Nic White (Brumbies), Rhys Van Nek (Brumbies), Taj Annan (Reds), Tane Edmed (Waratahs), Tim Anstee (Force)

1 point – Abraham Pole (Moana), Alex Nankivell (Chiefs), Anton Segner (Blues), Eroni Sau (Drua), Fetuli Paea (Highlanders), Josh Moorby (Hurricanes), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Drua), Len Ikitau (Brumbies), Liam Wright (Reds), Max Jorgensen (Waratahs), Nepo Laulala (Blues), Nikora Broughton (Highlanders), Noah Lolesio (Brumbies), Ollie Callan (Force), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)