Ferreira boost for the Canes
The Hurricanes are expecting their new South African lock to add physicality to their forward pack.
The franchise confirmed the signing of Andries Ferreira yesterday for the rest of the Super Rugby season.
The 28-year-old arrived in Wellington on Saturday to replace Sam Lousi, who suffered a season-ending pectoral muscle injury which required surgery.
He comes to the Hurricanes having played for the Cheetahs and the Lions in Super Rugby, while he also had a brief stint in the French Top 14 with Toulon as injury cover.
Hurricanes assistant coach Carlos Spencer, who played and coached in South Africa, including at the Lions, said the 1.97-metre Ferreira would bring a physical presence to their forward pack.
‘‘We’re hoping he’ll bring physicality. He’s a solid boy. From his experience at the Lions, he’s a pretty physical ball player. He likes to carry. He’s good at set piece, which is what we need.
‘‘We had a couple of unfortunate injuries in our lock department, so to bring him in to strengthen that is definitely a bonus.’’
Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree, who also coached in South Africa with the Sharks, said he was delighted Ferreira had taken up the invitation to join the squad.
‘‘I’ve got a lot of respect for the way Andries plays and approaches the game and we believe he is going to be a great asset to the squad,’’ he said.
‘‘We have been really happy with the work of our young guys in the first three games and we think Andries will bring some real experience and help develop the guys around him.
‘‘It’s really bad luck for Sam who is a really important member of our squad and we are grateful he is still around to contribute off the field.’’
Plumtree confirmed Ferreira would be available for selection for Friday night’s match against the Highlanders at Westpac Stadium. The remainder of the squad made it through Friday’s 43-13 win over the Brumbies unscathed, opening up the possibility of a full strength Hurricanes team being picked for the first time this season for Friday’s game.
Spencer said the return of their All Blacks, especially Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea, had been a big factor in the win.
‘‘It was a tremendous difference just having those guys.
‘‘Beaudy was in for the first time and just having his voice and how he controls the game and people around him.
‘‘It was good to see Colesy [Dane Coles] back to some great form. Ardie, some of the runs he’s doing and some of the breakdown stuff he’s done is very valuable.
‘‘To have those guys back definitely lifts the side, especially some of the young guys, they enjoy having those guys around.’’