Faifili Levave maybe attracting interest from overseas, but his heart is with the Hurricanes.

The loose forward’s future is in doubt as he is out of contract at the end of the 2012 season. But Levave says he is in talks about staying on at the Wellington-based side, who are pushing for the play-offs.

“We’re still negotiating, but I definitely want to be a Hurricane at the moment,” he said. “I’m weighing things up and hoping it all lines up. This year’s been quite unique. It’s been a different environment to past years and definitely the best Hurricanes environment I’ve been in.”

A play-off spot would highlight the rise of the Hurricanes and achieve their goal, they have to upset the league leaders Waikato Chiefs tomorrow.

Big influence

Levave played 12 games in Super Rugby with the Chiefs before joining the Hurricanes and this clash will mark his 50th appearance in the competition. And he says his form has improved under coach Mark Hammett and skills coach Jono Phillips.

“Hammer and Jono (Phillips), those two have really had a big influence,” he added. “I’ve sat down with Hammer every week and gone over my game and I’ve never done that over the years.

“It’s paid dividends with how I’ve been playing. The micro skills. It’s really helped with my game and the minutes have helped too. When you get 10 or 20 minutes here and there you can’t really make up for it with your form.”

The Hurricanes will be boosted by the return of All Blacks loose forward Victor Vito for the tough test against the Chiefs.

‘Massive game’

He was sidelined by a knee injury suffered during the All Blacks’ first Test against Ireland, but Brad Shields drops to the bench.

Vito said: “It’s a massive game. They’ve got a lot to play for still. I’m sure they want to bring the finals home to them but, for us, it’s just really staying alive and keeping this continuity in the season going, because the boys have really been enjoying it.”

The home side will also be hoping winger Cory Jane is fit to play after an ankle injury suffered against the Brumbies in Round 13.

The Chiefs, though, make chan-ges too with regular captain Craig Clarke back from illness and No8 Kane Thompson also fit. Andrew Horrell moves to full-back and Robbie Robinson out to the wing.

Tanerau Latimer makes the starting line-up and coach Dave Rennie said: “It’s important we have more than 15 guys fizzing along, we need the whole squad to be successful.

“If we get things right and play to our potential, we should put in a good performance in this game.”

 

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