Unbeaten Chiefs brace for Drua test in steamy Lautoka

MELBOURNE - The Waikato Chiefs will look to emerge from the heat and noise of Lautoka with their unbeaten start to Super Rugby Pacific intact on Saturday after battling a Fijian Drua side desperate for a win.

Having beaten defending champions Auckland Blues, Canterbury Crusaders and ACT Brumbies, the Chiefs are the only side with a perfect 3-0 record as they embark on one of the competitions toughest road trips.

Though yet to post a win, the Drua have been competitive throughout and will be glad to return to Fiji after fruitless trips to the Wellington Hurricanes and New South Wales Waratahs.

The Drua have won their past six matches at Churchill Park, though lost 35-34 to the Chiefs in their only meeting at the venue during their debut season in 2022.

As impressive as the Clayton McMillan-coached Chiefs have been, Lautoka will be a daunting assignment without livewire fullback Damian McKenzie and test lock Josh Lord, both ruled out by knee injuries.

Emoni Narawa will take the number 15 shirt in McKenzies place and hope to perform well in front of family and friends in his native Fiji.

Looking forward to it -- seeing mum and dad, my partner, and little girl who’s over here at the moment, said the two-test speedster.

The Chiefs will also be reinforced by Shaun Stevenson from the bench after the outside backs return from a short-term sabbatical to play in Japan.

In cooler air at Eden Park, the Blues kick off round four against the Brumbies in a match that could be pivotal for both their campaigns.

Defeat for either team will mean a major battle to recover from a 1-3 losing record and claim a top six spot for the finals.

After a tight win over the Hurricanes in Wellington, Blues coach