Super Rugby preview Round 14: Home advantage beckons for Chiefs and Canes

The Hurricanes and Chiefs could both secure home advantage in the playoffs with two rounds to play.

Can the Highlanders upset the Chiefs applecart to keep their own slim playoff hopes alive?

And will the Blues bounce back from last week’s loss to the Crusaders to topple the Canes?

Let's see how they stack up.

CHIEFS v HIGHLANDERS | Hamilton | Friday 7.05pm

The odds at the TAB tell you all you need to know. 

The Chiefs are currently on a six game winning streak so understandably are $1.11 red hot favourites.

However, the Highlanders did make a game of it when the two teams met in round two, losing by just three points.

In terms of personnel, the Chiefs will be without two of their All Blacks for the match.

Josh Lord has been ruled out due to concussion protocols and Quinn Tupaea is being rested. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi will start at lock alongside Tupou Vaa’i and Lalakai Foketi comes in at second five.

Coach Jono Gibbes has also gone with two playmakers to test the Highlanders defence. Damian McKenzie moves to fullback, with Josh Jacomb promoted from the bench into first five.

Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made just one change to his side for this must-win match - but it’s a significant one.

Jona Nareki is unavailable after being red carded for a dangerous tackle in last week’s win over the Waratahs. He’s been replaced at centre by Tanielu Tele’a.

Joseph has also gone with a 6-2 split on the bench, with Folau Fakatava and Taine Robinson the only backs riding the pine.

The Highlanders could be dangerous with their backs to the wall, but form and common sense suggest this match is only going one way.

Prediction: Chiefs by 10.

BLUES v HURRICANES | Auckland | Saturday 7.05pm

A mouth watering clash between the table topping Hurricanes and third placed Blues at Eden Park.

The ‘Canes are comfortable winners according to the TAB, with odds of $1.50 to the Blues’ $2.50. And given they won the corresponding fixture at home by 23 points a month ago, it’s a fair call.

Making life harder for the home side is the loss of Dalton Papali’i, who fractured his jaw against the Crusaders last week. It brings a sad close to his career at the Blues, with the former All Black off to play in France later this year.

Anton Segner is a pretty useful replacement in the seven jersey though and forms an impressive back row with Hoskins Sotutu and Malachi Wrampling.

Last week’s toothless display has also seen coach Vern Cotter drop Stephen Perofeta to the bench, with Beaden Barrett preferred at first five.

Barrett’s positional change sets up a virtual All Blacks trial with Ruben Love, who is back in the 10 jersey for the Hurricanes after recovering from an ankle injury. Skipper Jordie Barrett is back at second five, adding some steel to the midfield with Billy Proctor at centre.

However, they’ll be without Cam Roigard, who is still battling a calf complaint and Du’Plessis Kirirfi who has a knee injury.

The loss of Roigard could be the biggest factor in levelling the teams, along with the home advantage at Eden Park for the Blues. But that may not be enough to close the 23 point gap from round nine.

Prediction: Hurricanes by 6