The unbeaten, table-topping Chiefs have heaped more pain on the NSW Waratahs with an uninspiring 24-14 Super Rugby Pacific victory in Sydney.

A short-handed Brumbies line-up has been brushed aside in Christchurch, smashed 35-17 by the Crusaders in their Super Rugby Pacific clash.

Trans-Tasman bragging rights are at stake this weekend with three classic Kiwi v Aussie showdowns highlighting an intriguing round five of Super Rugby Pacific.

The Waratahs are confident their depth can hold up as the club deals with a growing injury toll

Returning All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, flanker Sam Cane and halfback Brad Weber, with 372 Chiefs caps between them, will boost teammate Damian McKenzie's celebration of 100 caps in their Super Rugby Pacific game with the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.