The Hurricanes litmus test has arrived.
After five straight wins coach Chris Boyd's squad runs headlong into the high flying Investec Super Rugby leading Chiefs at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
It's a fan's dream match-up as two New Zealand Conference sides in peak form clash near the midpoint of the regular season.
The result won't define either team's season, but the importance of the match can't be downplayed.
Competition points are effectively worth double when New Zealand teams play each other, but the psychological benefits of knocking over a close rival are priceless.
TALE OF THE TAPE
After dropping their first two matches, the Hurricanes have chalked up five straight wins to move into third place in the New Zealand Conference. A convincing win will see the Hurricanes leapfrog the Chiefs into top spot. With nine losses from their last 10 away matches against the Hurricanes, the Chiefs will need to reverse recent history to secure victory in Wellington.
HEAD TO HEAD
A number of match-ups across the park will no doubt peak the interest of the national selectors. At first-five, Beauden Barrett's searing pace and game breaking ability squares off with Aaron Cruden's vision and accuracy. In the seven jersey, the explosiveness of Ardie Savea is up against the hard working and rugged Sam Cane in an area that will no doubt have a big influence on the final result. And at halfback, the battle between TJ Perenara and Brad Weber promises to be a brilliant contrast of styles. The strength and tenacity of Perenara versus the nippy running game of Weber. And that is just three of the many crucial head-to-head battles in this encounter.
MIDFIELD SHOWDOWN
The Hurricanes new look pairing of Vince Aso and Matt Proctor face a great challenge against the in form combination of former Hurricane and Maori All Blacks captain Charlie Ngatai and the powerful Fijian born Seta Tamanivalu. Proctor and Aso combined well against the Rebels last week and will be keen to back it up this weekend.
THE BENCH
Vaea Fifita's place in the Hurricanes starting side has been taken by Blade Thomson, but the big Tongan could be no less influential in a match that promises to go down to the wire. Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Motu Matu'u Loni Uhila, Chris Eves, Wilils Halaholo, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and and James Marshall give the Hurricanes a deep and varied bench that is capable of changing, and winning matches.
BE THERE EARLY
A big crowd is expected at Westpac Stadium for this epic ANZAC weekend clash. With an ANZAC commemoration ceremony prior to the match, the popular half time 'Hurri-oke' in action and the passionate 'Flying Squadron' in full voice, fans need to make sure they get their tickets early and get to the ground for the Wellington club curtain raiser between Old Boys University and Wellington from 5pm.
TEAMS
Hurricanes: 15: Jason Woodward 14: Cory Jane 13: Matt Proctor 12: Vince Aso 11: Julian Savea 10: Beauden Barrett 9: TJ Perenara (vc) 8: Victor Vito 7: Ardie Savea 6: Brad Shields 5: Michael Fatialofa 4: Blade Thomson 3: Jeffery Toomaga-Allen 2: Dane Coles (c) 1: Reg Goodes. Reserves: 16: Motu Matu'u 17: Chris Eves 18: Loni Uhila 19: Vaea Fifita 20: Callum Gibbins 21: Te Toiroa Tahurirorangi 22: Willis Halaholo 23: James Marshall
Chiefs: 15: Damian McKenzie 14: Toni Pulu 13: Seta Tamanivalu 12: Charlie Ngatai 11: Sam McNichol 10: Aaron Cruden 9: Brad Weber 8: Michael Leitch 7: Sam Cane 6: Tom Sanders 5: Brodie Retallick 4: Michael Allardice 3: Atu Moli 2: Rhys Marshall 1: Mitchell Graham. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Siate Tokolahi, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Taleni Seu, Maama Vaipulu, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Andrew Horrell, Glen Fisiiahi