Hurricanes feeling the Love for rising teen star
The Hurricanes are in no hurry to pigeonhole promising young back Ruben Love, 19, into a position.
With attacking flair and vision, Love has shown plenty of talent as a fullback and first five-eighth, and was highlighted as one to watch by Hurricanes coach Jason Holland before Super Rugby started.
While Holland admitted he wasn’t sure what the teen’s best position was this early in his career, his utility value came to the fore in his Super Rugby debut earlier this season — as outside backs cover in the team’s 30-19 win over the Highlanders.
However, having seen what Love can bring to the team, Holland has given the young star the first start of his Hurricanes career — throwing him in the deep end in the No 10 jersey against the Crusaders this afternoon in Wellington.
Holland said it was time to give Love his opportunity at the top level.
“I don’t think he’s in any hurry to decide exactly where he needs to be, but he’s a really competent 10 and 15.
“We’ve known what a talent he is; now he gets the opportunity.
“His prep is like he’s a 15-year pro; he does all the right things during the week. He has energy, an excitement factor, he has pace and acceleration, he can step — all those things are exciting.
“He’s an attacking player and will be an attacking 10, but he’s also got the smarts to know when to get a bit of depth and when to kick and pass.
“He’s just a small cog, but I’m
confident he’ll just slot in and do his job.”
The Hurricanes will welcome the Crusaders to Wellington, with both teams looking to turn around their fortunes after being on the wrong end of double-digit losses last weekend.
The Hurricanes have won just one of their first five games this season and will need to go on a victorious streak if they’re to feature in the competition final.
For the Crusaders, it’s different as they’ve lost just one of their opening five matches and are on track with their goal of defending their crown.
While Love brings a new look to the No 10 jersey, some familiar faces will return for the Hurricanes to bolster the squad, including 11-test All Blacks forward Vaea Fifita, prop Alex Fidow and hooker Asafo Aumua.
“I just want him to be Ruben Love,” Holland said of his expectations for the youthful No 10.
“He’s just got to do what he does. I know he’s an absolute student of the game and will have done his homework, so all he has to do is go out there, make decisions and have a crack at whatever he sees.”