Hurricanes face Chiefs test, Moana Pasifika make Samoa debut

MELBOURNE : The Wellington Hurricanes' resurgence in Super Rugby will be put to the test against a rested Waikato Chiefs side when the New Zealand heavyweights collide on Saturday.

The Hurricanes topped the table with a 29-14 win at the Otago Highlanders last weekend while the Chiefs had a bye, setting up a blockbuster at Wellington Regional Stadium between the top two sides in the competition.

Jason Holland's Hurricanes will look to extend their winning streak to five for the first time since the 2020 season and shrug off any lingering doubts about their title credentials.

They have not defeated any of the major contenders this campaign but now have their chance against the unbeaten Chiefs in a match rescheduled to the afternoon due to a lighting problem at the venue.

"We need to be physical and accurate in everything we do to enable us to play our style of rugby to win this weekend," said Holland.

The Chiefs have bulked up their back row with the addition of flanker and former Fiji resort chef Pita Sowakula, one of three changes to the side that beat the Blues 20-13 in Hamilton two weeks ago to secure a record 6-0 start for the season.

The Chiefs are fresh and eager to get "back into the grind," said coach Clayton McMillan.

"It will be a real arm wrestle and one I know both teams will be up for."

Winless Moana Pasifika, who joined the competition with Fijian Drua last year, will hope to ignite their season on Friday with their first home game in Samoa against the struggling Queensland Reds.

Though based out of Auckland, Moana are laden with Samoan internationals including hooker Ray Niuia and lock Sam Slade, and have enjoyed an emotional homecoming in the capital Apia this week.

"Having the home village behind us through the