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The Chiefs got home by a single point in the end, but what a game that was.
It was four tries a piece but the boot of McKenzie was the difference in the end with his adversary Barrett missing a plethora of attempts on goal.
REPORT: CHIEFS EDGE HURRICANES
A crazy final ten minutes had plenty of drama and action but the competition leaders held on in the end and Woodward will no doubt be sitting quietly in his corner of the dressing rooms.
Final score
Hurricanes 27
Chiefs 28
The Hurricanes will invite the white hot Chiefs into their backyard this afternoon with a chance at top spot on the line. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the highlights and action coming out of Wellington.
The 2016 season is now right on the halfway point and both sides are sitting pretty as two of the top three points scorers in the whole competition.
The Chiefs have dropped just a single game so far on their way to amassing the biggest positive points difference of any team, 40 points ahead of the next best, and a competition leading five bonus points from just seven games that is equaled by just one other team – their opponents this week.
Despite the Chiefs enjoying status as the competition favourites thus far, the Canes are on a blistering five-match winning streak coming into this round, having put on 40+ points in three of those encounters and 38 in an another.
Not to be outdone though, the Hamilton-based Chiefs are coming off the back of a bye and five consecutive wins of their own, including passing the half century mark twice against the near hapless Western Force and Southern Kings.
Team News
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has made just the solitary change to his lineup from last week’s win over the Melbourne Rebels.
“This group got the job done away from home last week and there weren’t any compelling reasons to make too many changes” said Boyd.
25-year old Blade Thomson will slot back into the number 8 run on spot for the Canes, coming back from a bruised knee to push Vaea Fifita back to the bench.
The Chiefs on the other hand have been forced into change through injury.
Shoulder injuries have hit both Charlie Ngatai and winger James Lowe who will be replaced by Andrew Horrell and Sam McNicol respectively.
Toni Pulu will join McNicol on the wing, having recovered from a calf injury to take his spot on the right edge.
Mick Allardice, Tom Sanders and Rhys Marshall will all join the run on forwards, packing in at blindside, number 8 and hooker respectively.
Prediction
This could easily be the best game this weekend with two of the best teams in the competition shaping up for top spot in the standings. Both are on destructive winning streaks and have plenty to play for in the grand scheme of things.
Expect a very tight affair that will run right down to the wire. A last minute try or penalty goal could be the difference.
Chiefs to win by 5
Can the Chiefs extend their lead at the top and cement their position of dominance? Or will the Hurricanes put their hand up as big title contenders with a win at home? Catch all the Super Rugby action this afternoon from 5:35pm (AEST) on The Roar
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.