Chiefs v Hurricanes - Preview
May 9, 2002

VENUE & TIME: Waikato - Friday - 17:35 AEST
HEAD TO HEAD: Chiefs 3 Hurricanes 3
COVERAGE: Fox Sports
LAST TIME: Chiefs 51-27

WALKING WOUNDED
The Chiefs have few problems, with only halfback Danny Lee (hip) the biggest concern.
The Hurricanes have a lengthy injury list. Jonah Lomu has withdrawn with a twisted back and is replaced by Lome Fa'atau. If the injury persists, then Lomu may sit out the Barbarians game against England at Twickenham on May 26. Joining him on the sidelines are No.8 Rodney So'oialo (ankle), form outside-centre Tana Umaga (ligament strain) and lock Dion Waller (hamstring).

FORM
There were hopes the Chiefs had enough form to upset the Brumbies and end the defending champion's chances, but it wasn't to be and the Chiefs were handed a 42-15 thrashing.
The faint Hurricanes hopes finally ended with a disappointing 48-20 loss to the Crusaders. Nothing has gone right for the Hurricanes since their Round Nine bye. The week before the bye they beat the Brumbies 20-13, should have beaten the Waratahs the week after the bye and then were trounced by the Crusaders.

WHO'S HOT
Chiefs flanker Marty Holah has one last chance to capture the attention of the All Black selectors with a big game as does Chiefs lock and captain Deon Muir.

KEY MATCH-UPS
Bruce Reihana v Christian Cullen
Deon Muir v Jerry Collins
Marty Holah v Kupu Vanisi

WE THINK
The fact that the loser of this game will finish as the bottom-placed New Zealand side should ensure both sides play with plenty of enthusiasm despite their disappointing seasons. History favours the Hurricanes this time as the away side has won every encounter between the two teams. Hurricanes by 10.

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