The good news just keeps rolling in for the Chiefs, with key backs Richard Kahui and Sitiveni Sivivatu looking on track for potential returns to action in Saturday night's Super 14 clash against the Highlanders in Hamilton.

Both Kahui and Sivivatu, who were ruled out of the 43-27 Easter victory over the Bulls in Rotorua with ankle injuries, took a full part in the Chiefs' first major training hitout of the week.

And though the rearranged Chiefs backline did well to secure their first bonus point victory of the season at the weekend, it's likely that both centre Kahui and wing Sivivatu will be ushered straight back into action.

"They're probably the first two names down on paper when you're selecting a team and we'll be looking forward to having those guys back and adding another dimension to our attacking backline," halfback Brendon Leonard told RugbyHeaven.

The All Black No 9, who scored two tries in a triumphant return to form against the Bulls, described the match as a potential "benchmark" for the Chiefs as they looked to turn their season around. With three wins from six matches, they're handily enough placed, all things considered.

"That's the first game we've scored four tries and I think that will give us a bit of confidence that we can play how the Chiefs are known to play, with a bit of free-flowing rugby," said Leonard.

"But we have to get another win this week. We haven't won two in a row this year and we have to start building a bit of momentum. If we lose this week, it's back to square one, so we just have to make sure we keep going."

Leonard believes the Chiefs need to start showing some consistency, with the struggling Highlanders an ideal opponent to secure their first set of consecutive victories for the seasaon.

"We've got to make sure we start getting some consistency into our game and keep climbing the table," added Leonard. "We're in a better position than we were last year when we finished pretty strongly, so we're still capable of giving this competition a good nudge.

"It's another big clash this weekend. We've got to start putting back-to-back wins together if we want to be serious contenders."

For all the intent, Leonard was adamant the Highlanders had to be respected despite their record that shows five straight defeats.

"There are no easy games against Otago or Highlanders sides. We've got to make sure we're ready for the physical challenge they'll bring. They'll throw everything at us and really have nothing to lose now.

"They're probably in the same place we were last year. They've had close losses through the first five or six rounds, but they've got a good side and we definitely won't be taking them lightly."

Leonard gave himself, and the team, a pass mark after they led the Bulls just 12-10 at halftime in Rotorua, but got on top in an action-packed second stanza.

The chirpy halfback said he has set himself the challenge of directing play better and leading the communication effort for a raw backline. "But the major contributing factor for me was the forwards stepped up and gave me and Steve [Donald] a good platform."

Leonard conceded he had felt some pressure going in after injuries (ankle and thigh haematoma) and some flat form had contributed to a slow start for a player many are picking to be the first-pick All Black halfback in 2008. Going head to head against highly rated Bulls No 9 Fourie du Preez just added to that.

"I knew I had to perform to help us beat the Bulls and Fossie put it on myself to step up and control the team around the field and lift the talk a bit."

Leonard was also the beneficiary of some Sione Lauaki magic in the first half, the big No 8 putting his halfback away for a key score with a chip kick, gather and pass that Launched the home team's charge.

"I saw him do the chip kick and I thought it was a good idea because there was no one in behind the front line," said Leonard. "I realised if he got a good bounce we might be in with a shot, and he did.

"He had a great game, and there wouldn't be many people picking he could pull off a chip-and-chase like that."

A few more moments of magic like that will be just what the Chiefs need as they look to work their way back into the playoff hunt.