And there may be no bigger match than Tasman v Bay of Plenty, with the two sides locked together on 22 points and separated only by their positions on the table. Tasman currently sit eighth and Bay of Plenty ninth, meaning the final playoff spot is firmly up for grabs with just two rounds of the regular season remaining.
The Mako welcome back All Blacks Noah Hotham and Timoci Tavatavanawai, while Leicester Fainga'anuku is named on the bench for his first appearance in 15 weeks after an extended injury lay-off. David Havili is also set to provide impact from the bench, giving Tasman a remarkable amount of firepower.
Bay of Plenty aren't short of reinforcements either, with Pasilio Tosi, Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo all returning from All Blacks duty. With so much international experience returning on both sides, and a place in the top eight on the line, it shapes as one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the season.
There is silverware on the line in Whangārei too, where Northland will make their third defence of the Ranfurly Shield against Counties Manukau. The Taniwha claimed the Log o' Wood from Canterbury earlier this season and have successfully defended it twice. Now they have the chance to take the Shield into the summer, with All Blacks loose forward Simon Parker returning to bolster their side.
The returning internationals aren't confined to those two contests. Canterbury welcome back Jamie Hannah for their meeting with Southland, with the lock having missed just three NPC matches while away with the All Blacks. Hannah made a remarkable start to his provincial campaign, earning the maximum three Duane Monkley Medal points in each of his first two matches before his international call-up. Southland also welcome back Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa.
In Wellington, Siale Lauaki is back in the mix after his All Blacks involvement, while Waikato have Cortez Ratima available again after the halfback was sidelined with an injury suffered while with the All Blacks.
Taranaki arguably have the biggest influx of returning talent of the weekend, with Bradley Slater, Josh Lord and Josh Jacomb all back from All Blacks duty for their clash with Hawke's Bay.
Then there is Scott Barrett.
Named to start at lock, Barrett will play his first rugby in 10 months after undergoing surgery for a back injury. It will be just his second appearance for Taranaki, having made his provincial debut for the union five years ago. After such a long period on the sidelines, his return provides a significant boost for Taranaki as they continue their push towards the quarter-finals, while giving Barrett an important opportunity to get rugby back under his belt.
But the weekend's big matches aren't solely about the returning stars.
North Harbour and Otago will meet in a crucial top-four battle, with both sides looking to strengthen their position heading into the final two rounds, while Auckland and Manawatū will also meet with plenty at stake as teams jostle for position heading towards the playoffs.
There are individual milestones to keep an eye on too.
Tasman's Kyren Taumoefolau has scored 13 tries in nine matches this season and needs just three more to break the record for the most tries in a single NPC season, currently standing at 15.
Otago's Lucas Casey is also chasing history. He has scored in nine consecutive matches and another try this weekend would see him equal the record of 10 consecutive matches, currently held by Jayden Hayward from the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
With All Blacks returning, long-term injury absentees making their comebacks, the Ranfurly Shield on the line, playoff places being fought over and individual records within touching distance, there is plenty riding on this weekend's Hilux NPC action.