Expect fireworks when the Chiefs and Highlanders get Round Seven's action underway in their New Zealand derby in Hamilton on Friday.

The Chiefs will be brimming with confidence as they head into this match on the back of an impressive 61-10 triumph over the Sunwolves in Tokyo last weekend. 

The home side also claimed a 24-15 win when they faced the Highlanders last year, snapping a six-game losing streak against the men from Dunedin in which they had scored more than 20 points in a game only once.

After losing to the Hurricanes last weekend, the Highlanders will be determined to return to the victory trail as they secured fine wins in their three matches prior to that – against the Blues, Stormers and Crusaders.

The Highlanders have won their last two away games against the Chiefs and will be searching for a third-straight win in such fixtures for the first time.

The Chiefs have won six of their last seven regular-season games, and have scored 102 points across their last two fixtures. Their opponents have lost their last three away games, the last time they lost more in a row was a four-game drought to round out their 2014 campaign.

Waisake Naholo has crossed for six tries in his last five games against the Chiefs, making at least three clean breaks in each of his last four games against them.

Despite being at home for this fixture, Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper is not underestimating their opponents.

“The Highlanders are a dangerous team," he said.

"We have to certainly be defensively ready for them because they can attack from their own goal line. They put a lot of variety into their game, so we will really get tested by them.”

Highlanders boss Aaron Mauger expects another tough assignment for his charges.

"As a group we are under no illusions as to the challenge this week, the Chiefs are an in-form side playing in front of their home crowd, so it ought to be another great tussle," he said.

The last time these teams met: These sides faced off in 2017's opening round and the Chiefs claimed a deserved 24-15 win in Dunedin. The visitors outscored the Highlanders three tries to none with James Lowe leading the way with a brace and Hika Elliot also dotted down. The Chiefs' other points came courtesy of three conversions and a penalty from Aaron Cruden and the Highlanders' points came via five penalties from Lima Sopoaga.

This will be a momentous match for All Blacks flanker Sam Cane as it will be his 100th game for the two-time champions. Cane has been a real stalwart for the Chiefs since making his debut in 2011 with his ability at the breakdown one of his strengths and an area which he will be hoping to dominate this weekend. As the Chiefs' captain, his decision-making will be in the spotlight and he will also be hoping to make an impact as a ball carrier.

If the Highlanders want to cause an upset, they will rely heavily on their All Blacks scrum-half, Aaron Smith. The 29-year-old made an impressive start to the season and was in fine form in the Highlanders' triumphs against the Blues, Stormers and Crusaders but did not have much influence on the game in last weekend's loss to the Hurricanes. When on song, Smith is arguably the best scrum-half in the world with his crisp passing game particularly impressive. His eye for a gap also makes him dangerous especially around the fringes of the rucks and mauls.

Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has made three changes to his starting line-up for this encounter. After starting every game so far this season, Sam Cane runs out in front on his home crowd not just as captain, but for his 100th Super Rugby match. The tight five is unchanged, with the only change in the pack being the vastly experienced Liam Messam coming in on the blindside flank where he replaces Lachlan Boshier, who drops down to the replacements bench. 

In the backline, Brad Weber will start in the number nine jersey, in place of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Solomon Alaimalo moves to full-back, where he takes over from Marty McKenzie, and Sean Wainui comes in on the wing. On the bench, co-captain Charlie Ngatai returns from injury as back-line cover while Pita Gus Sowakula is in line to make his Super Rugby debut as the replacement lock.

Meanwhile, Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made four alterations to his starting line-up after last weekend's loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington. Co-captain Ash Dixon will take the place of hooker Liam Coltman who has been unwell this week, while tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi returns to the front-row.

Josh Dickson will make his first appearance for the season in the second-row and Tom Franklin, who has started all four previous matches, moves to the bench. In the backs, Matt Faddes will partner Rob Thompson in the midfield. On the bench, young Otago midfielder, Patelesio Tomkinson makes the matchday 23 for the first time and Greg Pleasants-Tate also makes his way into the reserves.