American Marconi Wireless News - Chiefs, Hurricanes primed to extend Super Rugby 'hoodoo'

No Australian side has ever won a Super Rugby knock-out match in New Zealand, suffering a miserable run of 15 straight away defeats since the tournament started in 1996.

The Chiefs host the Queensland Reds in Hamilton on Friday with the Hurricanes at home to Melbourne Rebels in Wellington on Saturday.

"It's hard to win in New Zealand," Reds head coach Les Kiss said.

The Reds narrowly lost 29-20 at the Chiefs in the quarter-finals last year and Kiss said: "Things are possible, but we're going to have to be our best to break that hoodoo."

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said his side was similarly wary of the record.

"I don't know what's more daunting, Australian teams potentially never having won finals in New Zealand or being the first team that loses to an Australian team in the finals," he said.

"What you produce on the day is all that matters."

In New Zealand's capital, the Rebels must win at Wellington's Sky Stadium to prevent it being their last Super Rugby appearance after 14 years of existence.

The debt-laden team will cease to exist beyond this season after Rugby Australia opted last week to shut down the club, which went into administration in January owing almost AUS$23 million (US$15 million).

The Rebels' South African head coach Kevin Foote is optimistic they can upset the Hurricanes, who topped the table after the regular season.

"History tells you that the Australian teams haven't done well, but you can't worry about that," he said. "We'll focus on what we can control.

"You're only one result away from doing something special."

The Hurricanes' All Blacks scrum-half TJ Perenara said the hosts were wary that their opponents will be fuelled by last week's announcement.

"We understand that there is a lot of emotion and things going on in their camp. They will use that energy," he said.

- Ioane returns -

In Saturday's other quarter-finals, the Auckland Blues host the Fijian Drua at Eden Park while the ACT Brumbies meet the Otago Highlanders in Canberra.

The Drua have lost all seven away games in 2024, including a 34-10 defeat against the Blues at the start of the season.

Blues boss Vern Cotter used to coach the Fijian national team so has some inside knowledge.

"I've had a bit to do with the Fijian boys to know they are a dangerous team, they can trouble anybody," warned Cotter.

"We have focused this week on nailing down things we think will trouble them."

Cotter has named a full-strength team with All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane returning after a rest period following concussion.

"He gives us serenity, having that experience, speed and ability to change games," said Cotter.

"It's nice having him in there."

P.Stevenson--AMWN