Chiefs vs Hurricanes Predictions & Tips - Chiefs backed to secure another narrow victory

Despite their very different positions on the Super Rugby Aotearoa table, this has the makings of being a very tight match. Both sides have struggled on attack, scoring just 15 tries each this campaign – seven behind the next worst. It is goal kicking that the Chiefs have relied on to get them over the line in a number of matches. The Chiefs are on a four-game winning run, so their confidence will be much higher than that of their opponents. My best bet for this encounter is for the Chiefs to win by 1-12 points.

The Hurricanes have won five of their last seven matches against the Chiefs in Super Rugby. Earlier this season it was however the Chiefs who came out on top 35-29.

The Chiefs are in the midst of four-match winning streak in Super Rugby Aotearoa. This steak has placed them in second place on the table with two matches to play.

After losing their opening two matches of the competition, the Chiefs beat the Hurricanes 35-29 away from home. That ended a 10-match losing streak stretching back to the beginning of last season.

That result was followed up by an impressive come from behind 15-12 victory over the Blues at home before seeing off the Highlanders 26-23 away.

Last week the Chiefs got the biggest win of them all, beating the table topping Crusaders 26-25 at home. It was a superb performance that deserved a bigger margin. Victory this weekend should be enough to see them qualify for the final, unless the Blues shock the Crusaders.

The only change to the Chiefs backline sees Damian McKenzie return to fullback with Chase Tiatia missing out. Bryn Gatland comes in at flyhalf.

In the forward pack there is also one change. Luke Jacobson is injured which sees Pita-Gus Sowakula slot in

The Hurricanes are not enjoying their finest season and find themselves bottom of the table with just one win in six matches. They are eight points off the Highlanders in fourth place.

Their solitary victory came in round five when they defeated the Highlanders 30-19 away. That was followed by a 27-17 defeat in Auckland against the Blues before an unfortunate 30-27 loss to the Crusaders in their last outing.

The match was level after 80 minutes in Wellington but a golden point drop goal in extra time saw the Crusaders take the four points. The Canes have not been far off in matches this season so I don't expect them to be beaten comfortably here.

Julian Savea is out so Wes Goosen moves from left wing to right wing and Rayasi fills the void at left wing. The rest of the backline remains the same with Ruben Love continuing at flyhalf.

Du Plessis Kirifi comes in at flank for Ardie Savea and Scott Scrafton is in for the injured Isaia Walker-Leawere at lock.