For many New Zealanders the Super Rugby season begins now, as opposed to last weekend when the South Africans played and the…yes well you get the idea.
This weekend sees the Crusaders taking on the Chiefs (the game is in progress as I write this) the Highlanders taking on the Blues tomorrow and the Hurricanes beginning their season with the first of two South African games against the Sharks in Durban.
#HurricaneWatch: Hurricanes Preparing for a Shark Attack
The Hurricanes have had a patchy pre season, with a solid performance against Auckland, before losing to both Melbourne two weeks ago and last weekend coming unstuck against a Crusaders team that seemed slow to wake, then vicious in the second half. This weekend however marks the beginning of season 2014 in earnest, and now the Hurricanes need to answer the big questions that have been asked of them.
Firstly the Hurricanes need to find discipline and consistency, and fast. Marty Banks will be starting on field as one of four new recruits and has already proven he has the goods, with blistering running pace. However he needs to keep the ball in hand to be a truly effective play maker. Last Friday saw too many dropped balls and poorly time passes to truly threaten the on form Crusaders, play like that this weekend will prove equally as costly against the Sharks – or any South African team – at home.
Beauden Barret also had a rough game last weekend. Without a good kicking game the Hurricanes are going to struggle, it’s not enough to rely on Julian Savea’s ability on the wing, or Conrad Smith’s leadership. This team needs to find it’s feet, and they have no time left to do it in.
It needs to be remembered though of the 17 games played between the Sharks and the Hurricanes since 1998 the results are almost completely split down the middle, Nine wins to the Sharks, seven to the Hurricanes and one draw. In 2012 The the Sharks faced a huge Hurricanes onslaught which saw the Wellingtonians destroy the South Africans 42 – 18. However that was a very different team, and that was in New Zealand.
The Sharks have new coach Jack White at the helm, with a team that is buoyed by their first round victory of the Bulls last weekend. While New Zealand brings in names like Conrad Smith, Cory Jane and Ben Franks, the Sharks bring in the massive talent of Bismark du Plessis, and the ‘Beast’ Mtawarira. Clearly this is not a team to be taken lightly. The Sharks finished eighth in the series last year, well up from the Hurricanes in 11th overall.
Both teams are well known for hard, physical play. Both teams are also well known for being able to adjust and adapt to game play quickly and effectively. This of course makes it crucial for the Hurricanes to retain that vital possession if they intend to come out on top.
Playing in South Africa is always a tough job. The South African teams just do not let up. Ever. The Hurricanes are going to have to be ready to absorb a lot of attack, and be ready to utilise smart set pieces to capitalise on what few gaps there will be. Discipline, discipline, discipline. In simple terms if the Hurricanes play on Sunday morning (NZT) the way they played against the Crusaders in the second half of last Friday’s match…the result will not favour the black and yellow.
If however they can keep their heads together, make the Sharks play back in their own half, and use their passing game sensibly it’s not impossible. The Hurricanes though will need to play smart, otherwise they are going to be punished for their tardiness.
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Main Photo Credit: Via SuperXV
