The top-placed Hurricanes won the opening qualifying final 66-12, scoring five tries before the break to quickly snuff out the prospect of a hoodoo-busting effort from Stephen Larkham's men.

The Blues have been thrashed by the Hurricanes at Eden Park 47-24, ripped open by the free-running Hurricanes.

The race to the finals continues with the eight teams in action confirming their line-ups for Round 14.

Wallace Sititi was the hero for the Chiefs, crossing four minutes into Super Point for a 22-17 win over the Hurricanes.

Hurricanes wing Fehi Fineanganofo scored a second consecutive hattrick of tries to help take his side to a huge 52-14 victory over the Reds in Wellington.

A lacklustre first half between the Hurricanes and Western Force had a visitors go to the halftime breaker 8-5 ahead at McLean Park.

The Hurricanes have bolstered their lock stocks with the contract extension of second rower Hugo Plummer until 2027.

Former All Black Richie Mo'unga and more than a dozen other Kiwis will be hoping for a trophy raise on Saturday.