Super Rugby: Chiefs confident ahead of Hurricanes rematch in Wellington

The Chiefs celebrate Brodie Retallick scoring a try in a 28-24 win over the Hurricanes. Photo / Photosport

There's no mistaking the confidence in the Chiefs camp ahead of their quarter-final against the Hurricanes.

It's an exciting time of year, and with a win over the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday, they landed a blow against their quarter-final foes.

However, lock Brodie Retallick has stressed to his teammates the importance of not letting that excitement get the better of them in the week leading up to the first round of playoffs.

"It's definitely something we need to consider - not getting too excited, too early," Retallick said. "It's playoffs, do or die, so there's that extra added pressure. As long as we're nice and clear in the head and don't overthink it heading into it, we should be all right. But it is exciting when it comes to playoffs. It's a great buzz [and] it does change things."

Missing some key players, the Chiefs outclassed the Hurricanes in their 28-24 win, with a number of those called in taking the opportunity to press their case for a spot in the match-day 23 in the capital on Friday.

The Chiefs are expected to welcome back Sam Cane (head), Nathan Harris (leg), Charlie Ngatai (illness), Tyler Ardron (head) and Damian McKenzie (rest), with the team to be confirmed later in the week.

While the Hurricanes haven't lost at home all season, the win in Hamilton gave the Chiefs some momentum to build on.

"We're hugely confident," Retallick said. "We've got some great talent ... competition in the squad always makes for a great 23."

Chiefs coach Colin Cooper had a similar idea of how to approach the week as he looks to have his side as fresh as possible for what shapes up as the match of the round.

There was little on the line in Hamilton on Friday but the two sides didn't hold anything back in a physical encounter. With their season on the line this time, that's likely to step up a notch.

"It's important we get the week right, so it's not too heavy, not too full of contact, and just having a bit of fun and getting everyone really fresh," Cooper said.