While it's another cracking New Zealand derby, the reality is, both teams are already guaranteed quarterfinals away from home, and this clash at Westpac Stadium is instead just about jostling for the better scheduling come the sudden‑death stages.
The Crusaders, Lions, Stormers and Brumbies will host the quarterfinals, with the Chiefs and Hurricanes battling it out to finish second in the New Zealand conference, with their final regular season game to come after the international break.
The Canes sit on 53 points, then host the Crusaders in the final round, and can finish fifth or sixth overall. With the Chiefs on 49 points, and hosting the Brumbies in their last game, they can end up anywhere between fifth and eighth.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says eliminating travel is key and the players know what needs to be done.
The Hurricanes will host the Chiefs at 7.35pm tonight.
