Rugby: Chiefs eye up Highlanders for seconds

High-flying Augustine Pulu scored two of the five Chiefs tries against the Bulls. Photo / Getty Images

Next week's showdown between the Chiefs and Highlanders is shaping as a potential playoff preview.

With the Hurricanes seemingly safe atop the Super Rugby standings, the battle for second in the New Zealand conference holds great intrigue in the remaining three rounds.

Victory over the Bulls on Friday night ensured the Chiefs would remain in that spot for another week, although that could all change at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Depending on the Highlanders' fortunes against the Force overnight, the teams could head into Saturday night's clash on level pegging. And if they continue to match each other's steps through the remaining rounds, they could meet again three weeks later when fourth overall hosts fifth to kick off the playoffs.

"Whoever wins that game obviously gets a bit of a leg-up," said Chiefs coach Dave Rennie. "No doubt next week will be a big one and it's important we get decent points out of that."

Five points against the Bulls certainly helped the Chiefs' cause, stemming a mini-slump that threatened to halt their charge for the playoffs. The Chiefs were impressive in most facets in Rotorua, overcoming a sluggish opening half to run in five tries and, due to the quirks of the conference system, move nine points ahead of the team directly above them on the ladder.

An under-strength forward pack fronted against one of the competition's better units while the defence did well to combat the Bulls' attempts to drive.

Such was their strength, it was impossible to tell the Chiefs were down to locks four and five on the depth chart, but Rennie was unsurprised by the resiliency of his side.

"Attitude-wise, everyone keeps talking about the number of guys injured, but we've got good depth and a lot of character. You wear the jersey, you've got to front, and we saw that again."

With the Chiefs and Highlanders both sitting inside Super Rugby's top five in points scored, the onus will be on attack in what will be perfect conditions for running rugby. And, although the Chiefs were initially wayward against the Bulls, their confidence grew at the same rate as Damian McKenzie's, who enjoyed his best outing in the No10 jumper.