Five things to watch out for: Benji Marshall v Waratahs, Quade Cooper v Aaron Cruden and more

BENJI Marshall v the Tahs, Quade Cooper v Aaron Cruden and Six Nations blockbusters - we highlight the best weekend action.

BENJI Marshall v the Tahs, Quade Cooper v Aaron Cruden and Six Nations blockbusters - we highlight the best rugby action this weekend.

Waratahs v Benji (and the Blues)

You could be forgiven for thinking Benji Marshall is battling the Waratahs on his own, such has been the build-up to Friday night's trial at Allianz Stadium.

But to be honest, without the code-hopper's presence the Tahs' clash with the Blues would be just another trial match in which we're repeatedly reminded of the need to "blow the cobwebs out".

Benji Marshall continues his rugby education against the Waratahs tonight.

However with Marshall returning to the city where he made his name, this match has dominated the back pages all week and has Waratahs officials hoping for a crowd of around the 10,000 mark.

There's also the return of Wallabies superstars Israel Folau and Michael Hooper to be excited about which along with Benji's homecoming, make a Friday night out at Moore Park a pretty enticing prospect.

Cooper v Cruden as Reds host Chiefs

The last two Super Rugby champions won't play each other in the regular season this year, and more's the pity.

Aaron Cruden and the Chiefs take on the Reds in Toowoomba.

Thankfully we haven't been completely robbed of a clash between the 2011 champion Reds and the Chiefs, winners of the past two titles.

They will lock horns in a trial clash on Saturday afternoon, and it's the rugby public of Toowoomba that will be the beneficiaries as a host of Wallabies and All Blacks stars go head to head.

Front and centre of that list is Quade Cooper and Aaron Cruden, the star No. 10s for both their club and country set to face off in the latest instalment of a battle between two outrageously skilled playmakers.

Cooper got one over Cruden when the Reds upset the Chiefs in Hamilton last year, but it was the All Black who had the last laugh courtesy of a second Super Rugby title and then Bledisloe Cup success.

Big guns back in action

The Tahs and Reds aren't the only sides rolling out their star names this weekend.

The Brumbies have named 10 Wallabies - including Ben Mowen, Matt Toomua and Stephen Moore who will be having their first run of 2014 - in their side to face an ACT XV in Canberra on Saturday night.

Matt Toomua will have his first hit-out of 2014 for the Brumbies.

Western Force will unleash winger Nick Cummins and No. 8 Ben McCalman and also welcome back young gun Kyle Godwin from shoulder surgery against Samoa A on Friday night.

Meanwhile All Blacks centre Tamati Ellison will make his first appearance for the Melbourne Rebels as they host the Hurricanes in Geelong on Saturday.

Scotland host England in grudge match

It's one of the oldest and most bitter rivalries in rugby, and the next instalment of the Calcutta Cup takes place at Murrayfield in Edinburgh this weekend.

Typically dour affairs, this game will almost certainly descend into a battle of the eight men up front and the right boots of Owen Farrell (England) and Greg Laidlaw (Scotland).

Owen Farrell and England are looking to bounce back against Scotland.

Still, it won't be short on passion and a sell-out crowd at the home of Scottish rugby - complete with rooftop bagpipers - will ensure the atmosphere is as good as any up north.

It'll be curtains for the Six Nations for whoever loses and although England are deserved red-hot favourites, this match always brings out a little extra in the Scots.

Ireland, Wales put Six Nations hopes on line

BOD v Gatland (and Ireland v Wales)

Simply put, the match of the weekend.

Both sides kicked off their Six Nations campaigns with wins - Ireland took care of Scotland while Wales edged past Italy - and will be looking to push their championship claims and dash those of a title rival this weekend.

Of course, that's not the entire story.

Ireland will be fired up for star centre Brian O'Driscoll.

There's also the small matter of Irish great Brian O'Driscoll coming up against Wales coach Warren Gatland, the man who controversially axed him for the deciding Test in last year's British and Irish Lions series in Australia.

The Welsh are braced for a fired-up Ireland to exact some revenge for BOD when the two sides clash at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.