Chiefs prepare to do battle with 'Canes

By: Elliott Smith | Rugby News | Friday July 13 2012 6:38

The Chiefs want to send out a final warning in their last Super Rugby round robin match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

The hosts remain with a show of making the top six but must win and probably with a bonus point to keep their hopes afloat.

On the flip side, the Chiefs can wrap up top seeding and home advantage through the finals with a bonus point win.

Chiefs mentor Dave Rennie says their loss to the Crusaders has shown they're not where they need to be.

"When you're not winning line outs and you're scrum's under pressure you need to find other sources of possession and raising the tempo and counter-attack and things. We need to be a bit sharper.

"We know we need to be a lot sharper in those big games. The Hurricanes are going to be desperate, if they get five points they're in with a show of qualifying, and they need five so it should be a hell of a match up."

Meanwhile Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett is confident his young side will handle the big occasion in tonight's must win Super Rugby match.

Hammett says it's a big game for his group but they appear ready for the challenge that awaits.

As far as Hurricanes winger Cory Jane is concerned, disappointment will be the overriding emotion if they come up short this weekend.

Jane says it's tantalising to be this close.

"Now to be just on the edge of that play-off there's a lot of belief in this team and everyone's really enjoyed the season, so if we miss out it will be disappointing, we've come a long way. You know you don't really want to call it a building year you want to contest it every year."

Hurricanes officials expect a crowd in excess of 20,000 for tonight's match.

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