Super Rugby preview Round 15: Can the Chiefs get revenge in Christchurch?

So, here we are, two weeks out from the Super Rugby playoffs and there’s still a bit to be worked out.

The Chiefs and Hurricanes have secured home advantage but the Blues are on shaky ground.

Can the Crusaders keep their winning streak going under the roof in Christchurch and hunt down the third-placed Blues?

Or will the Chiefs get revenge after losing to the defending champions earlier in the season?

Will the Hurricanes regret resting four of their players this weekend including the competition’s leading try-scorer?

And are the Highlanders any chance of keeping their slim playoffs hopes alive?

Let’s take a look at the two Kiwi derbies taking place this weekend.

CRUSADERS v CHIEFS | Christchurch |Friday 7.05pm

Life has been good for the Crusaders so far under the roof at Te Kaha.

They’ve had two games and two wins over the Waratahs and Blues, but they face a Chiefs team that will be out for revenge after losing to the Saders in Hamilton in round three.

That clash got heated especially after Crusaders captain David Havili got tipped up off the ball by Chiefs prop Jared Proffit.

And the fire has been stoked even more as the cowbell ban in Christchurch continues.

The Chiefs start as slight favourites at the TAB, even without concussed star Damian McKenzie, and against a Crusaders side who welcome back All Blacks fullback Will Jordan after seven weeks out with a calf injury.

As is always the case with Kiwi derbies, All Blacks coach Dave Rennie will be watching closely before naming his first 34-man squad in Feilding on June 22nd.

Some of the best match ups include Codie Taylor v Samisoni Taukeiaho at hooker, Havili v Quinn Tupaea at second-five, and the loose-forward battle between Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga’anuku, and Christian Lio-Willie v Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, and Wallace Sititi.

This has the potential to be the game of the season.

Prediction: Crusaders by 1

HURRICANES v HIGHLANDERS | Wellington | Saturday 7.05pm

The season is on the line for the Highlanders, who have a bye in the final round, while the Hurricanes see this clash as a chance to rest some players.

Wing Fehi Fineanganofo, who’s on the cusp of breaking the try-scoring record with 16 so far this season, is having a spell along with Billy Proctor, Xavier Numia, and Callum Harkin.

The 'Canes can confirm top spot with a bonus-point win, while the Highlanders simply need to win if they’re to be any chance of cracking the top-six.

Key to their chances will be 23 loose-forward Lucas Casey who’s coming off a sensational performance against the Chiefs and looks to be an All Black in waiting.

It’s been a season to forget for Jamie Joseph who must’ve been dreaming about the playoffs and becoming the next All Blacks coach after beating the Crusaders in round one before it all came crashing down.

He’ll want to end the season on a positive note but that’s not likely against the hottest team in the competition.

Prediction: 'Canes by 15