Super Rugby preview round seven: Can the Chiefs bounce back?

The Chiefs will look to get their Super Rugby season back on track in Perth on Saturday night.

They remain the favourites at the TAB to win the whole thing but have the Hurricanes breathing down their necks.

The Blues are a bit of a dark horse and have a new trophy to play for against the Drua on Saturday night.

And can the Highlanders rebound from their hiding last week at North Harbour Stadium on Friday?

Let’s dive into the round seven match-ups involving four Kiwi teams.

MOANA PASIFIKA v HIGHLANDERS | North Harbour | Friday 7.05pm

This is a must-win game for both teams if they’re serious about cracking the top-six and playing finals footy.

They’re in a similar boat after the Highlanders conceded 50 points at home to the Hurricanes last weekend, while the Crusaders also put 50 on Moana at North Harbour Stadium.

Jamie Joseph has reacted by dropping former All Blacks halfback Folau Fakatava and giving 22 year-old Southlander Nic Shearer a Super Rugby debut.

Inspirational co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai is battling a foot niggle and will come off the bench.

It’s been a big week for Moana coach Tana Umaga, becoming an All Blacks assistant, but he faces a more pressing task in trying to get his team off the bottom of the table.

Prediction: Highlanders by 15

HURRICANES v REDS | Wellington | Saturday 4.35pm

The Hurricanes went to another level against the Highlanders last week and will look to back it up against Australia’s second-best team, the Reds.

Ruben Love was great in his first start at first-five and Fine Fineanganofo bagged another hattrick but it was Jordie Barrett for me who was the stand-out.

The co-captain is under pressure to retain his starting spot in the 12 jersey for the All Blacks with the likes of Tavatavanawai and Quinn Tupaea in superb form.

But while Jordie may not beat as many defenders as Big Jim or make as many offloads as Quinn, he remains the ultimate triple-threat with his kick, pass, and running game, and his communication skills are second to none.

He’s also playing in front of a forward pack with players in career-best form such as loosies Devan Flanders and Peter Lakai as well as Japan international lock Warner Dearns.

The Queenslanders are also littered with Wallabies and this should be an entertaining game at the Cake Tin, hopefully there’s not too many empty yellow seats which is always an eye-sore.

Prediction: Canes by 11

BLUES v FIJIAN DRUA | Auckland | Saturday 7.05pm

The Joeli Vidiri trophy goes on the line for the first time for the clash between the Blues and Fijian Drua at Eden Park which is a great excuse to check out some of his highlights.

The former Blues legend (RIP) would be very impressed with the form of the current flyers Caleb Clarke and Cody Vai, who’ll come off the bench for this game.

Sam Darry captains the side for the first time in the absence of injured skipper Dalton Papali’i, and is forming a strong locking combination with Josh Beehre.

Another Barrett, Beauden, is also hitting his straps after resting for the first month of the competition, and like his brother Jordie, is currently demanding All Blacks selection due to form.

The Blues are somewhat going under the radar this season despite sitting second on the table, while the Drua are all over the show in ninth place.

Prediction: Blues by 20

CHIEFS v FORCE | Perth | Saturday 9.35pm

The Chiefs will be ruing the one that got away against the Brumbies in Canberra but have a great chance to bounce back against the Force in Perth.

Damian McKenzie came under fire for missing some late shots at goal and will start at fullback with Josh Jacomb in the ten jersey.

All Blacks wing Leroy Carter gets to show his versatility starting at centre opposite former All Blacks and Crusaders outside back George Bridge.

The Chiefs boast a bruising loose-forward trio of Samepeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, and Simon Parker who’ll all be keen to show new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie that they’re ready for the big test matches to come this year.

Prediction: Chiefs by 15