The Chiefs clash with the Hurricanes at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton to kickoff Round 18 of Super Rugby. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:35pm (AEST).
It’s the business end of the season and the Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory entering this match.
They currently sit last in the New Zealand conference standings and need a strong win today to keep their dream of competing for a third straight Super Rugby title alive.
But wins have been hard to come by for the defending champions of late. They are currently on a three-match losing streak which includes a 37-point belting at the hand of their opponents today.
But facing the Chiefs at home is never an easy proposition, and with their season on the line the defending champions will be sure to tighten up and step up with just two matches left to salvage their season in the lead up to the finals.
The Hurricanes will also have the finals on their mind. They haven’t taken part in the business end of the Super Rugby season for five years, but a win today should place them well for a finals berth.
With a strong 16-9 home win against the conference leading Crusaders last round, the Hurricanes enter this match with momentum and the form to cause an upset today.
However, they will have to get the job done without Conrad Smith while he continues his stint on the sidelines recovering from a broken bone in his hand that he sustained in All Blacks colours against England last month.
But while one All Black remains on the sideline, another returns for the Hurricanes, with hooker Dane Coles making his way back into the side.
With home ground advantage, the Chiefs enter this match as unconvincing favourites. But if they can keep their defence tight, they should be able to hold off the Hurricanes and keep their season alive.
Join The Roar for live scores from 5:35pm (AEST). If you are following the action, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Old Bugger
Guest
Morning Digs Know how u feel mate - I was the same last week and figured my team was down for the count. Somehow, they've picked themselves off the floor at the 8 count and now have a blue bullet, waiting for them next week. For the first time this season, I finally saw the looks in some Chiefs players eyes and it seemed to me that they were on a mission. I just wish they showed that tenacity every bloody week instead of waiting for an 11th hour reprieve....my old ticker can't handle anymore. Still, there is slim chance mate and atm, I'll take the slimmest chance that Miss Destiny throws up anytime....btw at the start of the year, I tipped Liam Squire as a player to watch. Gee's, I thought he had his best game of the season last night and if he and the side continue, here's hoping someone in the selection panel takes note of his progress. Now, which colours are the Chiefs wearing next week...???
WQ
Guest
Diggercane, just watched a replay of the game this morning and the Hurricanes really should never have been that close. I am a Canes fan as a result of living in Wanganui for a while, but gee they got a couple of pretty ordinary decisions go their way to get them back into the match after half time. The penalty for the lifting tackle was pretty ordinary and then the the try awarded as a consequence was if possible, an even worse decision. Injuries at the wrong time of the year and the very poor start to the season have hurt them!
moaman
Guest
Bizarrely. It should have been.
moaman
Guest
Cruden ran really well again and varied play--but his clutch goal-kicking concerns me a lot from a national-pov. Barrett didn't have the platform his oposite enjoyed and it was noticeable. BB looks better off the tee,to me.
moaman
Guest
Wasn't much in it Digger; The Chiefs got going up the middle from time to time and resembled The Mighty Chiefs of last year,on occasion. I suppose the 'Canes resembled their 2013 incarnation too,at times! I felt strangely flat watching it although it was a good game.Too little,too late for the Chiefs I reckon and the 'Canes promised so much more.The slide rules will come out and the astonomers will be calculating the odds but realistically- title-shot hopes for either side look like star-gazing from here.
jeznez
Roar Guru
If the Force and Blues win and Highlanders lose then 3rd-9th are all between 40-42 points. The top 2 is sorted but there are 7 teams jostling for the other 4 spots.
Digby
Roar Guru
Sooooo disappointing. Good luck to the Chiefs, hope they and the other NZ sides can get up from here. Really hope the highlanders do well from here, been so consistent this year.
Nek Minnut
Guest
Bonus points James. If the Highlanders get 1 they are in unless the Bulls get 2 bonus point victories. The Sharks, Tahs have more than 43 but out of the other 5 teams that can get 43 and over, it is only possible for 3 to do so. All they need is 2 losing bonus points to be 100% certain and 1 bonus point to be extremely likely.
Peter Robinson
Roar Rookie
I read somewhere that this is the result of some stupid bet or dare within the team. Typical young men. I bet Cory Jane is involved, hes a joker.
Peter Robinson
Roar Rookie
Yeah, but Coach Todd Blackadder, in his infinite wisdom, is going to play Carter at 2nd five because he doesn't want to hurt Colin Slade's feelings. You are supposed to use your best players in their best position Todd!!
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
Should be an interesting last two rounds. Lots of congestion at top of table. May come down to a bonus point.
James
Guest
Looks like the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs are likely to make the playoffs. Must win for the Highlanders this weekend, Lose and they will have to pull a rabbit out of hat beating the Saders at home. Blues and Canes need to overcome thier inconsistencies to go another step further.
kiwihaydn
Guest
That game wasn't played at Eden Park though.
dcnz
Guest
We Canes sure missed Conrad, Levave, Leiua, Lam....
PeterK
Guest
up to this point only the tahs have won every home game, hope i have not jinxed them though
jameswm
Guest
If the Force win and the Highlanders lose, it'll be what - 3rd-7th all on 40-42 points?
JoC
Guest
Didnt the blues lose to the Sharks at home??
WEST
Roar Guru
yea, It's getin RIDICULOUS!!!!!
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
There was space between the ball and the fingers, no try.
RobC
Roar Guru
Too bad about the result. Really wanted to Canes to put a good one together today Good game Chiefs.