Chiefs vs Hurricanes: Super Rugby live scores, blog

	83	J. Barrett
	71	J. Barrett
	70	A. Aumua
	61	J. Barrett
D. McKenzie	59
S. Stevenson	57
D. McKenzie	55
T. Manu	53
	29	J. Barrett
	28	F. Smith
D. McKenzie	21
L. Boshier	20
D. McKenzie	15
	9	J. Barrett
	8	B. Lam

3	Tries	3
3	Conversions	3
1	Penalty Goals	2
0	Field Goals	0

Show Preview

Opening the Week 7 Super Rugby account, the Chiefs host the Hurricanes in an all-New Zealand conference encounter at FMG Stadium Waikato. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:05pm (AEDT).

While the men from Wellington began their Super Rugby campaign with an uncharacteristically huge loss to the Stormers, they have well and truly bounced back into winning form. Sitting in fourth spot on the conference table simply doesn’t give the Hurricanes justice, who are a classy outfit with talent, strength and pace to burn.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, have barely missed a beat, enhanced by the comebacks of Aaron Cruden and Damian McKenzie who, together, are a dangerous pairing against any opposition.

While the Brumbies managed to knock over the Chiefs few weeks ago, they switched into a new gear in the second half against the Waratahs in round 6, sending the shell-shocked Tahs’ back into their home sheds with a 37-point loss.

Last time they met, the Hurricanes tore the Chiefs to shreds, winning 47-19. Missing Ardie Savea, the Hurricanes will have to find a new enforcer around the ruck this season, while Dane Coles returns to add some much needed experience and strength to the Canes’ pack. The Chiefs fullback McKenzie was rested last week against the Waratahs and will most certainly slot back into the starting lineup this week.

A mouth-watering battle at the base of the ruck, Brad Weber vs TJ Perenara, will most likely determine the speed and direction of the game. Both halves are fighting for a spot in the All Blacks and will be vital in spreading the ball wide, creeping up in support play, and threatening the side of the ruck against tired forwards.

Furthermore, look out for the class and kicking games of Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie, the two fullbacks also vying for the top spot in the national side.

Prediction
Expect sunny conditions, this match will not be one to miss; full of running rugby, flick passes, big shots and cracking tries. I’m tipping the Chiefs to come out on top in an extremely tight match, aided by the experience and class of their backline.

Game information

Kickoff: 5:05pm (AEDT)
Venue: FMG Waikato Stadium
TV: Fox Sports
Online: Kayo, Foxtel GO
Odds: Chiefs $1.46, Hurricanes $2.80
Last Five: Hurricanes 3, Chiefs 1, one draw

Teams

Chiefs
1. Aidan Ross, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Ross Geldenhuys, 4. Michael Allardice, 5. Mitchell Brown, 6. Lachlan Boshier, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Pita Gus Sowakula, 9. Brad Weber, 10. Aaron Cruden, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Tumua Manu, 14. Shaun Stevenson, 15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves
16. Bradley Slater, 17. Atu Moli, 18. Reuben O’Neill, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Mitchell Karpik, 21. Lisati Milo-Harris, 22. Kaleb Trask, 23. Alex Nankivell

Hurricanes
1. Fraser Armstrong, 2. Dane Coles (cc), 3. Ben May, 4. James Blackwell, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Gareth Evans, 9. TJ Perenara (cc), 10. Fletcher Smith, 11. Ben Lam, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Vince Aso, 14. Kobus van Wyk, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Alex Fidow, 19. Scott Scrafton, 20. Vaea Fifita, 21. Jamie Booth, 22. Billy Proctor, 23. Wes Goosen

Hide Preview

140

Join the conversation

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.