The ACT Brumbies will fly the Australian flag in the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs for another week after a controversial win against the Hurricanes in their quarter-final in Canberra.
One year after the disappointment of losing 25-35 their DHL Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal against the Brumbies in Canberra, the Hurricanes know what to expect and what they need to do about it ahead of Saturday's game.
The Hurricanes have rallied in the second half to beat the Christchurch-based Crusaders 27-26 as both teams count down to Super Rugby Pacific finals appearances.
Remaining positive was not an issue for the Hurricanes, and they were looking to take some momentum out of Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific game with the Crusaders in Wellington to cause some damage in the playoffs.
Winger Mark Telea scored four tries for the Blues who beat the Wellington-based Hurricanes 36-25 to stiffen their challenge for a Super Rugby Pacific top-four place.
Moana Pasifika have been overrun in Wellington, where the Hurricanes scored their first try inside two minutes and added 10 more in a record 71-22 win, their eighth victory from 11 matches.
Former All Blacks winger Julian Savea has scored two tries in a losing cause to join Israel Folau as the all-time top try-scorer in Super Rugby as the Hurricanes were beaten 27-24 by the Fijian Drua in Suva.
Arriving at the halfway point of their DHL Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the Hurricanes face their co-leaders in the competition, the Chiefs, knowing it is their most defining game of the season.
Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed the Hurricanes top of the table Super Rugby Pacific Round 8 match against the Chiefs at Sky Stadium in Wellington this Saturday will now kick off at 2.35PM (NZST).
Winger Salesi Rayasi has scored two tries for the Hurricanes in their 29-14 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Highlanders to take them joint-top with the Chiefs.
All Blacks midfield and fullback utility Jordie Barrett had been spending time this week with NRL powerhouse the Melbourne Storm to add to his skill set, especially around his kicking from the ball in hand.
Another eye-catching display from teenage son of a gun Max Jorgensen hasn't saved the NSW Waratahs from a worrying third Super Rugby Pacific defeat from four starts to open the season.
Execution in crucial plays will be the goal for the Hurricanes to get back on a winning run when hosting the Waratahs in Wellington in Super Rugby Pacific action on Friday.
