The Hurricanes and Chiefs meet for the second time in a week in the first Super Rugby quarter‑final at Westpac Stadium in Wellington tomorrow night.
This will be the third fixture between the sides this season with the Hurricanes winning the first meeting 25‑13 back in Round 10 in Wellington. Of concern to the Chiefs is the fact that the Hurricanes very rarely lose at home against New Zealand opposition, let alone lose at home at all.
The ‘Canes have won 21 of their last 22 games played in the capital, including their last nine on the bounce. Meanwhile, they have won nine of their last ten games when hosting New Zealand sides.
Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper is quietly confident that the timing of his big names' return, will bolster his side's chances of advancing to next week's semi‑final.
Cooper says it is a great advantage to have Damian McKenzie, Sam Cane, Charlie Ngatai and Nathan Harris to start tomorrow night, with all four players missing their side's 28‑24 win over the Wellington based franchise last weekend.
Chiefs co‑captain Sam Cane says he is not reading too much into the Hurricanes' poor form, and they are playing at home and whoever fronts up come kick‑off will have the advantage.
The Hurricanes will host the Chiefs at 7.35pm tomorrow.
In other Super Rugby quarterfinals, defending champions, Crusaders will meet the Sharks at 7.35pm Saturday, the Waratahs will host the Highlanders at 10.05pm Saturday, while the Lions face the Jaguares at 1.05am Sunday.
[Source: TVNZ/PlanetRugby]
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