The Hurricanes could not have asked for a better start to the Super Rugby season, managing 6 wins from as many outings. They are in pole position on the combined standings and are expecting to improve even more as their rested players return.
“The boys are enjoying themselves because winning is way better than losing,” Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree told the NZME.
“But every week there’s something to fix and every week’s not perfect and we are looking to improve the whole time.”
Their defence has been the cornerstone of their success, with only 82 points being scored against them so far, 2nd to the Brumbies who have conceded a mere 80.
Their next challenge comes in the form of the Stormers who were beaten 39 / 21 by the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday. However Plumtree acknowledges the physical threat posed by the Cape outfit, boosted by their very own return of some key players.
“They’ll be hurting after what happened last week,” Plumtree said. “So we’ll be expecting them to respond pretty positively in terms of intensity.”
The Stormers may welcome back a couple of players, namely Duane Vermeulen, and Plumtree said they would bring the physicality associated with any South African team.
“We’ll have to really step up in the pack.”
The Hurricanes rested a number of All Blacks – Beauden Barrett, Ben Franks and Julian Savea – for last week’s game with the Melbourne Rebels but they will likely return this week. Hooker Dane Coles (elbow) also missed the win over the Rebels but is fit again.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for the Stormers,” Plumtree said. “They’ve been a top side for a long period of time.”
The 4 wins ans 2 losses Stormers aren’t often frightened by playing in New Zealand and will pose a stern test for the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Friday.
Hurricanes flank Brad Shields said his side’s impressive start to the campaign was also down to the foundations laid by former coach Mark Hammett during his coaching tenure from 2011 – 2014.
“We’ve had a similar group, a core group, that’s been around for the last 3 or 4 years,” Shields said.
“It makes a huge difference and I think we’ve all matured together. We know how each other plays, we know what makes each other tick. We are not afraid to say something if something’s not right.”
Inside centre Ma’a Nonu has also enjoyed a solid campaign on his return to the Wellington after last playing for the Hurricanes in 2011.
“I think the boys are just enjoying having his company around; he seems to be enjoying his footy so it’s a bonus for us that he’s playing well,” Shields said.
“His experience is probably one of the biggest things that’s rubbing off on the younger guys.”
NZME & rugby365