Rugby: Nathan Harris backing process, not momentum

Chiefs hooker Nathan Harris. Photo / Photosport

Chiefs hooker Nathan Harris doesn't buy in to the theory of momentum. For him, his side's string of five straight Super Rugby wins doesn't carry any weight ahead of their match against the Hurricanes tonight.

Both sides hold 5-1 records to start the season, and both have won five in a row. If Harris believed in momentum, the comparison in recent results would likely cancel out whatever driving force the sides were bringing into the contest.

Harris does trust the process though, with his weekly regime doing more to help the team than relying on momentum.

"It comes down to the process of making sure you're doing everything right during the week — your recovery, getting the clarity, getting some contact — ticking off all those boxes and making sure you're doing whatever is necessary for that week so you can go out knowing you can put your best foot forward," Harris said.

The Chiefs travel to Wellington to meet the Hurricanes tonight in a battle for top spot in the New Zealand conference.

"We won't be doing anything too special in terms of how we're playing, because obviously it's going quite well."

With the winner guaranteed to end the round at the top of the conference, both sides have made changes.

For the Hurricanes, star first-five Beauden Barrett returns from a minor leg injury, prop Toby Smith slots back at prop after missing the past five games due to concussion, Vaea Fifita replaces Michael Fatialofa, who returns to a bench role, while Vince Aso moves to the wing in place of Julian Savea, with Matt Proctor starting at centre.

On the bench, James O'Reilly replaces Asafo Aumua, who has suffered a hand injury.

TJ Perenara is also out injured, with Jamie Booth getting the start in to No9 jersey.

Those wanting to watch Barrett match up against Chiefs No10 Damian McKenzie might have to wait a little bit longer, with McKenzie in doubt due to a leg injury.

The Chiefs first five-eighth was tentatively named in the team for the game, but should he be unfit to play, his brother Marty will wear the No10 jersey. In other changes, Taleni Seu returns at No8, co-captain Charlie Ngatai returns to the starting fullback role, pushing Solomon Alaimalo to the wing in place of Tony Pulu.