Substitute Lukas Ripley has scored a hat-trick of tries but it wasn't enough to keep the Melbourne Rebels' finals hopes alive in a 45-22 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland believes the Rebels may not have had the results in 2022, but they are clicking now and will be a threat against the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Pacific game in Wellington on Saturday.
With just two rounds remaining until the playoffs, round 14 provides an opportunity for teams to lock up a home playoff or confirm their spot in the top eight.
Skipper Ardie Savea has saved the day for the Hurricanes with a late try securing a 22-18 win over the Waratahs in a pulsating Super Rugby Pacific clash in Sydney.
After a rise that even assistant coach Jason Gilmore didn't expect to come this soon, the Waratahs are suddenly eyeing off a spot in the top four as they prepare for the Hurricanes.
Stepping up from their 30-point turnaround win over the Reds to get the benefits of a better start is occupying the Hurricanes' minds ahead of Sunday's Super Rugby Pacific game with the Brumbies in Canberra.
Hanging on for a desperate 22-21 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Highlanders, the Hurricanes now look comfortable in the top-eight place but must find improvements against Australian sides.
With 10 days to go until the Super Round Melbourne presented by Fiji Airways kicks off, check out our list of 10 things to look forward to in Melbourne.
The Crusaders have clung to a three-point lead for 33 minutes to beat the Hurricanes 24-21 in a contentious Super Rugby Pacific match that featured seven lead changes.
Facing three games in a week will be a challenge for the Hurricanes this week, and it doesn't come much harder than starting against the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday in Wellington.