Hurricanes v Chiefs - Super Rugby match preview
The Hurricanes will be aiming for back-to-back wins when they take on defending champions Chiefs in Wellington.
Last Updated: 18/05/13 8:13am
The Kiwis will have to shake off the jetlag after producing one of the best displays of the season to beat the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last weekend.
But it won't be easy against a Chiefs side that are currently sitting top of their conference and second in the overall standings.
They will also be looking to record their third consecutive victory in a row.
The Hurricanes, who are unbeaten against the Chiefs in Wellington since 2001 have named an unchanged side for the match.
Skipper Conrad Smith is still unavailable after a head knock, meaning Victor Vito will again captain the side.
Meanwhile, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie made four selection changes in total for the clash.
All Blacks openside Sam Cane was ruled out because of a bulging disc in his back while Tanerau Latimer returns to the No 7 jersey.
Pauliasi Manu (prop), Charlie Ngatai (centre) and Asaeli Tikoirotuma (wing) are the other inclusions from the side that pipped the Force 22-21 last Friday.
Hurricanes: 15 Ben Franks, 14 Ash Dixon, 13 Ben May, 12 Jeremy Thrush, 11 Jason Eaton, 10 Faifili Levave, 9 Jack Lam, 8 Victor Vito, 7 TJ Perenara, 6 Beauden Barrett, 5 Julian Savea, 4 Tim Bateman, 3 Reynold Lee-Lo, 2 Alapati Leiua, 1 Andre Taylor.
Replacements: 16 Reggie Goodes, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Brad Shields, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Tusi Pisi, 22 James Marshall.
Chiefs: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Matt Vant Leven, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Dan Waenga, 22 Save Tokula.
What they said...
Hurricanes head coach Mark Hammett
"The Chiefs are the Chiefs and have got good depth. Their depth is being tested but we certainly know they're a well coached team and well prepared.
"They might not be hitting their full guns at the moment but we've got to make sure we look after them because they're still dangerous and there's a reason why they're at the top.''
