Love's return from ankle surgery is earlier than expected, and he put that down to utilising a hyperbaric chamber to speed his recovery. He paid tribute to the support he received from the Hurricanes' medical team because his surgery was uncommon.
"I've worked pretty hard to change my diet and work new training methods into my rehabilitation and I feel great."
The injury happened in November 2023. He had a cortisone shot, did rehabilitation and then had a break. But halfway through the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, the injury became more than a niggle.
He had the chance to get it operated on at the end of Super Rugby, but then selection for the All Blacks intervened. He made his Test debut against Japan.
"It was one of those things where you bite your mouth and get through it. I was selected to go as injury cover and then be in the main squad, and I didn't want to miss an opportunity on my dream and thought I could be good enough with my ankle being how it was.
"I just got on with it and had the chance to get operated on post the tour. And, it turned out to be a full reconstruction."
He has been involved off the field in helping the backline prepare for games.
"We've missed a few opportunities to strike, but we stack up as one of the best backlines in the competition, and we're all trying to support Harry [Godfey] as he takes the lead for the team.
"He's looking great and so is everybody else in the backline."
Love is not surprised at Godfrey's achievements.
"We went to school together. I was 12, and he would have been 10-11 and he's played first-five all his life. He's a smart kid, so leading this team is nothing new to him.
"I grew up in Palmerston North, and he grew up in Hunterville, so there'll be a lot of parties back home cheering for us.
"He's played fullback a couple of times in the last two years, and this year, he knows he's got the support of the boys. My role is to complement and support him by being another voice on the field so he does not have to do it all himself.
Coach Clark Laidlaw said having Love back on the field was great news.
"Moana Pasifika have been very competitive this season and have gone up a few notches from last year.
"They have played well in all three games, and we will need to play well to win.
"There are a couple of areas we need to work on post the Blues game, but we're ready."
Moana Pasifika has made five changes to their side, with Patrick Pellegrini getting his first start at first five-eighths.
Centre Lalomilo Lalomilo is back after recovering from a concussion.
Defence coach Alando Soakai, last year's Wellington NPC-winning coach, said the Hurricanes included several players he coached while some of the Moana Pasifika players were familiar with their opponents.
"It's going to be quite an exciting game. The Hurricanes will be desperate to go away with point. They play an expansive game, but can also be direct in how they play."
While losing to the Highlanders last week, Moana Pasifika improved their defensive effort.
"We showed some good glimpses last week against the Highlanders where we could defend our goal line for long periods.
"This week we've honed in on being clear what our game is. We know we can't give away 21 easy points. It's about staying true to ourselves and playing our game."